The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has attributed the recent return of fuel queues in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country to disruptions caused by a recent thunderstorm. The adverse weather has significantly impacted the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels, according to a statement released on Monday by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.
Soneye explained that the thunderstorm affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation of products to filling stations, resulting in a disruption in station supply logistics. The statement highlighted the flammability of petroleum products and the necessity to comply with regulations set by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which prohibit the loading of petrol during rainstorms and lightning due to safety concerns.
“Adherence to these regulations is mandatory as any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations, and human lives,” the statement read.
The statement further noted that the situation was exacerbated by flooding of truck routes, which has constrained the movement of PMS from coastal corridors to the Federal Capital, Abuja.
“The NNPC Ltd is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas,” Soneye assured.
The statement also mentioned that loading has commenced in areas where weather conditions have improved, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy.
“Already, loading has commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided, and we are hoping the situation will continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy will be restored,” Soneye added.
The NNPC also urged motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products, emphasizing that measures are being taken to address the supply issues promptly.
