The Nigerian government has issued a warning against illegal fuel sales as the country continues to face scarcity issues.

Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) retailers have been cautioned by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, representing the Federal Government.

The warning came in response to persistent scarcity of petrol within Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory as well as Nasarawa and Niger states. Retailers are prohibited from illicitly selling PMS under this notice.

This warning was issued by NMDPRA in an official statement on its X account.

Retail outlets were instructed by the regulator to stop serving black marketers.

Read Also: NNPCL Demands N4.7tn Refund for Petrol Imports – Full Story

The NMDPRA initiates a battle against the illicit distribution of fuel, particularly gasoline stored in containers known as jerrycans.

The warning stated that retail licenses would be suspended if filling stations continue to provide service for illegal peddlers.

This is a result of the worsening fuel shortage in the capital city of the country.

A survey conducted by OBASANJONEWS on Friday revealed that most filling stations were not dispensing fuel, with only a few operating.

On Friday, only retail outlets belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited were dispensing fuel along Kubwa Expressway.

Few fuel stations dispensing petrol caused long queues due to the development.

Two weeks ago, the NNPCL stated that a couple of vessels had encountered problems in their discharge operations, leading to a shortage. This was communicated by spokesperson Olufemi Soneye.

Despite efforts, the issue of fuel scarcity continues to persist without a lasting resolution.

Billy Gillis-Harry, who is the President of PETROAN (Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association), suggested last month that the Nigerian government establish a war council to combat the ongoing problem of fuel shortages in Nigeria.