The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has assured Nigerians that petrol shortages will ease by the weekend. Lokpobiri made this statement after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.
During his address to State House Correspondents, Lokpobiri explained that the Vice President had called the meeting under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss the ongoing fuel situation in the country.
According to the minister, the government is aware of the current difficulties faced by citizens and is taking steps to address the issue.
Lokpobiri said after the meeting on Thursday at the State House, Abuja: “We were summoned by the Vice President who was directed by Mr. President to summon this meeting and we have been with him to brief him about what is going on across the country.
“The Vice President summoned us and we’ve been with him to brief him about what is going on across the country.
“And what is important is for us to convey to Nigerians that the President is empathetic about what is going on in the country.
“He is concerned about the hardship of Nigerians, and that was why he directed the Vice President to call this meeting, for us to reflect on what is going on in the country.
“What is important is that products are available in the country, and we believe that between now and the weekend, there will be availability of products across the length and breadth of the country.
“The price could be high in some other areas, much higher in some other locations, and in some locations, much more than you know in other areas.
“But we believe that by the time there is availability of products across the country, the price itself will stabilise.
“But what is important is that the government is not fixing prices.
“This sector is deregulated.
“And we believe that with the availability of products, the price will find its level.
“And this is important for Nigerians to know.”
