PENGASSAN Strike: No Need For Panic Buying, Over 2.9bn Litres Of Petrol Available For Yuletide -NNPC

Following ongoing disagreement between the Federal Government and members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association on the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, has assured Nigerians on the availability of petrol product across the country.

The Corporation urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying, stating that it has enough products that could last till the yuletide.

The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mele Kyari, in a press statement explained that the industrial action embarked upon by PENGASSAN would not lead to scarcity of petroleum products as all fuel stations and petrol depots in the country have enough stock of products to service consumers and are open for business.

He said, “All fuel stations and petrol depots in the country have enough stock of products to service consumers and are open for business.”

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria had directed its members to withdraw nationwide services effective 12 midnight on Sunday, November 8 2020 as the Federal government failed to meet their demand.

The Association had earlier announced its plans to shut down oil and gas facilities and distribution of petroleum products across the country over the breach of agreement on the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System to their members by the Federal Government, following a 7-day ultimatum which was issued the Federal Government.

PENGASSAN, in its letter said, “With view of the above and with the expiration of the ultimatum and with subsequent extension, you are hereby advised to withdraw your services effective 12 midnight on sunday, November 8 2020.

“Please ensure that your Branch member fully comply With this directive while you await further directive.

“All zonal offices are to monitor compliance and report same to the National Secretariat.”

While expressing hope that the industrial dispute would be settled amicably, Kyari assured that the Corporation has over 2.9 billion litres of petrol to guarantee seamless movement of people, goods and services across the country in the forthcoming Christmas season and beyond.

Kyari reiterated that the Corporation is determined to make the 2020 end-of-year festivities a zero fuel queue period just like the preceding year.

He noted that critical stockholders in the petroleum products supply and distribution chain such as tanker drivers, depot owners and road transport owners have been mobilized to ensure hitch-free season.