…identifies ‘logistics, flooding’, as part of reasons
Samuel Adesola, Abuja
Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd says the fuel queues in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some other parts of the country, are due to the disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels caused by recent thunderstorm.
NNPCL said in a statement that adverse weather condition has also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, resulting in disruption in station supply logistics.
The oil giant also stated that due to flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, it had become impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning.
It also noted that adherence to these regulations is mandatory, adding that any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives.
The company added that the development was compounded by consequential flooding of truck routes which constrained movement of PMS from the coastal corridors to the Federal Capital, Abuja.
NNPCL however assured it is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.
The company disclosed that already loading had commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided, and it is hoping the situation would continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy would be restored.
NNPC also appealed to motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.
