The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has ordered petrol stations across the country to stop selling petrol in jerrycans.
The directive comes against the backdrop of ongoing petrol shortages and long queues at the few petrol stations that still supply fuel in major cities.
In a video posted on X(formerly Twitter) on Thursday, one of the NMDPRA officials, who is apparently conducting an on-site inspection, is seen threatening to revoke the retail licenses of petrol stations that do not comply with the order.
“We will withdraw your license. You have to take this seriously, No selling in jerrycans.” In a video obtained by Journalists, the official repeatedly warned.
The development has sparked widespread backlash as many Nigerians suffer from petrol shortages and price hikes following President Bola Tinubu’s removal of petrol subsidy.
Reacting to the news, some netizens slammed the government’s move, arguing that it will further affect the poor, especially those who have unreliable electricity supplies and rely on petrol to power their generators.
