The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri has expressed the presidential deep concerns regarding the current economic quagmire being experienced by Nigerians as regards the cost of fuel and difficulties they face accessing this product. The Honourable Minister made this presidential appeal after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima with his team in Abuja

Addressing the press men after the meeting, Senator Lokpobiri flanked by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Mallam Mele Kyari disclosed that the crux of the meeting with the Vice President Shettima was to access the prevailing economic hardship currently face by the Nigerian populace owning to recent hike in fuel pump price and to cushion ways in resolving it.

“The President is deeply concerned about the hardship Nigerians are facing, which is why we held a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, reflecting on the current fuel situation across the country. We want to reassure the public that there is sufficient fuel supply in the country, and by the weekend, we expect products to be available nationwide.” Hon. Minister said

Assuring Nigerians that the present situation will be short lived as the government along with his ministry is not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that the product will not only be available but will also be affordable as the price is expected to trickle down as its distribution improves.

On the issue of fixing the fuel price the minster further clarified that the sector is deregulated and the government is not responsible of fixing prices but is saddled with the duty to ensure its availability and it cost should be affordable to Nigerians

“While prices may vary in different regions, we believe that once distribution stabilizes, prices will regulate naturally. It's important to emphasize that the government is not fixing prices, as the sector is deregulated. There is no need for panic buying, as supply is adequate. 

Our primary message to Nigerians is that we are working hard to ensure that the situation normalizes quickly, and prices will stabilize as product availability improves,” Lokpobiri assured.