The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd. has attributed the recent fuel queues in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country to logistics challenges exacerbated by adverse weather conditions and flooding ¹. According to a statement from Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Ltd., the disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, between mother vessels and daughter vessels was caused by a recent thunderstorm ¹.
Key Points
- The recent thunderstorm disrupted the ship-to-ship transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between mother vessels and daughter vessels ¹.
- The inclement weather also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation of products to filling stations, leading to a supply chain disruption ¹.
- Loading petrol during rainstorms and lightning is prohibited due to the flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations ¹.
- The situation has been further aggravated by flooding on truck routes, hindering the movement of PMS from coastal areas to Abuja ¹.
- NNPC Ltd. is actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address these logistics challenges and ensure a steady supply of petrol to the affected areas ¹.
Impact
- Fuel queues have resurfaced in some parts of the country, causing inconvenience to motorists ².
- The scarcity has pushed prices to as high as ₦900/litre, with private depot owners reported to have hiked the ex-depot price from ₦630 to ₦720 per litre ².
Resolution
- NNPC Ltd. is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore a seamless supply of petrol to affected areas ².
- Loading has already commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided, and the situation is expected to improve in the coming days, with full normalcy restored soon ¹.
- The NNPC has urged motorists to refrain from panic buying and hoarding petroleum products, assuring the public that efforts are underway to restore a seamless fuel supply
