The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has explained that
disruptions in movement of petroleum products caused by thunderstorms and other weather-related issues
caused the recent scarcity and hike in fuel price observed in Abuja.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement in Abuja on Monday, described this as the disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS), between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels.
According to him, the weather affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation of products to filling stations, causing interruptions in supply logistics at the stations.
“The NNPC Ltd wishes to state that the fuel queues seen in the FCT and some parts of the country, were as a result of disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorm.
He added that the adverse weather condition has also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics.
Soneye further explained that due to flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, it was impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning.
He added that the scarcity was also exacerbated by the flooding of truck routes which constrained movement of PMS from the coastal corridors to the city.
He said NNPCL Is working alongside stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of the product to affected areas.
He therefore urged motorists to avoid panic buying as well as hoarding as there is sufficient supply of petrol for each station.
“Similarly, the development was compounded by consequential flooding of truck routes which has constrained movement of PMS from the 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.
“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 ull normalcy would be restored,” he added.