MTN, Airtel Say Fuel Shortage In Nigeria Could Shutdown Services

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, May 24, (THEWILL) –  Mobile phone operators MTN and Airtel have warned customers that the current scarcity of petrol and diesel in Nigeria could shutdown its services within 24 hours if the crisis is not resolved soonest.

MTN said it would require a “significant quantity of diesel in the very near future to prevent a shutdown of services across Nigeria.

“If diesel supplies are not received within the next 24 hours the network will be seriously degraded and customers will feel the impact,” the company tweeted on Saturday.

Airtel in a statement on Sunday said, “While we are currently doing everything within our means as well as going the extra mile to ensure that all our base stations and switches are up and running, it is sad to note that it is becoming increasingly difficult to replenish current stock of diesel due to the lingering scarcity of the products.

“We are also concerned that, if the situation persists, it may have adverse effects on our network, impacting both voice and data services.

Airtel and MTN jointly have about 80 million subscribers.

Nigeria is facing its worst fuel shortage following the federal government's non-payment of subsidies to importers of petroleum products. The petroleum importers claim they are owed about $1 billion (N200 billion) and have refused to supply petroleum products until the outgoing government pays up. The protracted row has brought almost all sectors of the Nigerian economy on its knees since most businesses depend of generators and fuel to power production and services.

THEWILL checks revealed that most domestic airline operators have cancelled flights and stopped operating schedule flights while international carriers now refuel outside Nigeria.