The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the reemergence of fuel queues in various parts of the country to disruptions in ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, caused by recent thunderstorms.
In a statement released on Monday by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, it was explained that adverse weather conditions had hindered the smooth operations of transferring fuel between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels. This disruption has also impacted the berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation logistics to filling stations, thereby affecting station supply chains.
The statement clarified these details in response to reports of extensive fuel queues observed in Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of the nation. These shortages have reportedly driven retail prices up to ₦900 per litre, following reports that private depot owners increased the ex-depot price from ₦630 to ₦720 per litre.
Furthermore, Soneye addressed the safety concerns regarding the loading of petroleum products during rainstorms and lightning, highlighting compliance with regulations set by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) due to the flammability risks associated with such operations.
It said, “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 a recent thunderstorm.
“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.
“The NNPC Ltd also states 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.
“Adherence to these regulations is mandatory as any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives.
“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 said it is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore a seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.
Already, the company said loading has commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided, and it is hoping the situation will continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy will restored.
The NNPC also called on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding petroleum products.