THERE was panic, Monday, as petrol shortage, characterised by long queues started to emerge in Lagos.

Checks by Vanguard showed that some filling stations, especially independent marketers, did not have the product to sell to motorists and other consumers.

It also indicated that those with commercial stocks increased their prices, ranging from N200 to N250 per litre, depending on location.

The National Operations Controller, IPMAN, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, who confirmed the development in a telephone interview with Vanguard, attributed it to unsteady supply in the past few days.

He said as a result of the unsteady supply, depots prices have risen to between N175 and N180 per litre in Lagos and its environs.

According to him, "The situation has culminated in higher prices at the depots. Our members, who find it difficult to get the product, pay between N175 and N185 per litre. Consequently, we are compelled to sell at higher prices in order to cover cost."

However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited did not provide comments.

But recently, the company had urged consumers not to panic in Abuja as it was working to restore stable supply.

In a statement obtained by Vanguard, it had stated: "The current queue situation in some parts of Abuja and its environs is as a result of delays in arrival of fuel trucks. This is happening as a result of heavy flooding that has submerged parts of the highway passing through Lokoja, Kogi State and also an incidence of a failed road section around Badegi-Agaie highway in Niger State.

"Consequently, vehicles, especially fuel tankers, are finding alternative roads to get to their intended destinations".

NNPC Ltd disclosed that it was working "assiduously, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, to open up this major highway".