THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured that the three-day strike embarked upon by oil workers will not affect distribution and sale of fuel to members of the public.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Ohi Alegbe, in Abuja.
The strike was embarked upon by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over demand for the reinstatement of some sacked workers.
The statement said the management of NNPC was negotiating with the leadership of the unions who gave the assurance that they would not disrupt the fuel supply and distribution system.
It added that the action was basically aimed at addressing the anti-labour issues by some of the International Oil Companies (IOCs).
The statement stated that NNPC had revealed that it had over 32 days stock of petroleum products available for supply across the nation during the Yuletide season and beyond.
The corporation also stated that 17 additional petroleum laden vessels were at the Lagos Port waiting to discharge to the various depots for onward distribution to members of the public.
It further assured the public that everything was being done to ensure that there was no hitch in the supply system that could cause any form of hardship to motorists, especially those who intended to travel during the period.
The statement called on the public to avoid panic buying or stock piling of fuel, to avoid needless queues or fire that could lead to loss of lives and property.
It also advised marketers to desist from hoarding or diversion of petroleum products as any marketer caught in the act would be sanctioned.
