(Ecofin Agency) - Towards monitoring sharp practices by oil marketers throughout the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has begun a daily publication of the supply chart of petroleum products in the country.

According to Justin Ezeala, the Executive Director, Commercial, Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) the regular dispatch report is to feature all product distributions as well as all the receiving stations throughout the country.

Ezeala added that NNPC has a total of 513 retail outlets all over the country and had made an agreement with other investors that all the outlets operate 24 hours a day while those that cannot due to security reasons should operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

He blames the scarcity and poor product supply on pipeline vandalism, hoarding and diversion of petroleum, the persistent traffic in Apapa as well as challenges being faced with other government agencies at the ports and also at the depots, in the release of petroleum products.

Mr. Justin Ezeala also stated that despite the fact that the country has one of the best pipeline networks in Africa, NNPC has not been able to convey petroleum products through the pipeline because of continuous damage.

He, however, implore the media and the general public to work with the government in the hunt to stop sharp practices in the supply of petroleum products by observing and reporting illegal activities by marketers, Daily Post reports.