Contrary to speculations in the public space about a likely increase in pump price of premium motor spirit ( petrol) due to the recent rise in the price of crude oil in the international market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has ruled out any such increment in February, 2021.This was disclosed in a press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru.The statement explained that the decision was to allow ongoing engagements with organized labour and other stakeholders on an acceptable framework that will not expose the ordinary Nigerian to any hardship, to be concluded.NNPC urged petroleum products marketers not to engage in hoarding of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in order not to create artificial scarcity and unnecessary hardship for Nigerians. The Corporation assured that it has enough stock of petrol to keep the nation well supplied for about 40 days. It further called on relevant regulatory authorities to step up monitoring of the activities of marketers with a view to sanctioning those involved in products hoarding or arbitrary increase of pump price. The fear was fuelled by the understanding that following the deregulation of the sector in March 2020 the prices of petroleum products would are to be determined by prevailing market forces, except where the state intervenes as in this case.