Success Nwogu and Regina Otokpa 
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has stated that foreign exchange (forex) illiquidity has been a significant factor influencing the fluctuation in prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which are governed by unrestricted free market forces, as provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Speaking on TVC News’ “Journalists’ Hangout” show yesterday, the Executive Vice President of Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Adedapo Segun explained that the current fuel scarcity was expected to “subside in a few days as more stations recalibrate and begin selling PMS.”
He said Section 205 of the PIA, which established NNPC Ltd, stipulated that petroleum prices were determined by unrestricted free market forces. These were contained in a statement by Chief Corporate Communication Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Olufemi Soneye.
Segun said: “The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces rather than by the government or NNPC Ltd. “Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices.”
On the commencement of lifting PMS from the Dangote Refinery, Segun said the NNPC Ltd was awaiting the September 15th timeline provided by the refinery.
Segun, who said no rightthinking individual would be comfortable with the current fuel scarcity, added that the NNPC Ltd had nearly a thou – sand filling stations nationwide and was collaborating with marketers to “ensure that stations open early, close late, in order to maintain adequate fuel supply to meet the needs of Nigerians.”
He assured Nigerians: “We are also engaging relevant authorities to ensure products diversions are prevented and timely deliveries to all stations are ensured. The scarcity should ease in the next few days as more stations recalibrate and begin operations.”
Meanwhile, Segun speaking during an interview on Arise TV morning show said the current pump price of petrol is not market reflective and could be higher.
He stated that despite the increase in petrol prices from between N568 and N617 per litre to between N855 and N897, it did not reflect free market conditions.
Segun said: “You’ll recall that I said earlier that in the summer months prices are high and as we move towards the win – ter months, prices drop.”
