We can’t escape fuel scarcity yet, President says

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the frequent fuel shortages in Nigeria can’t be totally resolved until the country starts refining crude oil.

The President said this on Thursday, March 5, during an interview on “Kaakaki”, an Africa Independent Television (AIT) programme.

“Till we start refining crude oil, we can't get out of these issues,” Jonathan said with regards to the current fuel scarcity plaguing the country.

“We would privatize the refineries completely but it would be done in a way to ensure minimal effect on Nigerians. We would also encourage the private sector to build refineries,” the President added.

Jonathan also denied reports that the recent reduction in the pump price of fuel was politically motivated.

Fuel is currently scarce in Nigeria and marketers have said that the situation might not ease till next week.