By Adeyemi Adekunle
Abuja, Nigeria The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd) has attributed the fuel queues observed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several other regions to disruptions caused by a recent thunderstorm.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement signed by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.
“The adverse weather condition has severely impacted the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels,” Soneye explained.
This disruption has further affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the overall transportation of petrol to various filling stations, causing a significant bottleneck in station supply logistics.
Soneye elaborated on the safety measures that are in place, emphasizing the flammability of petroleum products and the need to comply with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations.
“Loading petrol during rainstorms and lightning is prohibited due to the severe risks it poses to trucks, filling stations, and human lives,” he said. “Adherence to these regulations is mandatory, and any deviation could result in catastrophic consequences.”
Additionally, the recent heavy rains have led to flooding of critical truck routes, further complicating the movement of PMS from coastal areas to the inland regions, particularly Abuja.
This has compounded the logistics challenges faced by the NNPC Ltd in ensuring a steady supply of petrol across the country.
In response to the crisis, NNPC Ltd has been working diligently with relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of these disruptions and restore normalcy.
“Loading has already commenced in areas where the adverse conditions have subsided,” Soneye noted. “We are optimistic that the situation will continue to improve in the coming days, and we expect full normalcy to be restored soon.”
The NNPC Ltd also urged motorists to refrain from panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products. “We appeal to the public to remain calm and patient as we navigate these temporary challenges,” Soneye concluded.
“Our teams are working around the clock to ensure that the supply chain is stabilized and that fuel is readily available across all affected areas.”
As the NNPC Ltd continues its efforts to address the supply chain disruptions, the organization remains committed to providing timely updates to the public and ensuring the safety and reliability of its operations.
The recent thunderstorm has undoubtedly posed significant challenges, but with coordinated efforts and adherence to safety regulations, the NNPC Ltd aims to restore seamless fuel distribution across Nigeria.
