President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised to Nigerians over the petrol scarcity that began in many states of the country in the first week of February.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesman, Buhari said the federal government was taking steps to address the situation.

Buhari expressed regrets over the inconvenience experienced by Nigerians, promising that individuals responsible for exacerbating the situation at depots would face consequences.

“The administration knows the fuel shortage has placed a strain on Nigerian citizens and businesses, but relief is on the way. I especially apologise to all sections of society for this,” he said of the over-five-week-old crisis.

“The government is working round the clock to attend to this issue. An action plan agreed upon earlier this month is being implemented to address the scarcity.

 “Working together with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), this plan is now bearing fruit. Sufficient fuel supply has returned to a handful of states, with the queues at stations falling. In the coming days, we expect this to be the case across the rest of the country.

 “Looking to the longer term, funds are being targeted toward keeping fuel availability affordable for the country. The international energy markets have surged drastically in recent months, the government will however ensure that   consumers are protected against these price spikes.”

Buhari assured Nigerians that “the blackouts seen in the national grid are also being addressed”.

“A dip in hydroelectric generation due to seasonal pressures has coincided with technical and supply problems at thermal stations. On this, the government is also working tirelessly to resolve the issues at the latter to guarantee sufficient power flows into the national grid,” he said.

“The administration knows the fuel shortage has placed a strain on Nigerian citizens and businesses, but relief is on the way. I especially apologise to all sections of society for this.”