NNPCL Attributes New Fuel Queues to Logistics, Unfavorable Weather Conditions

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the recent fuel queues in some parts of the country to disruptions in the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels caused by a recent thunderstorms and floods.

In a statement on Monday, the Company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, explained that the adverse weather conditions have also impacted berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and transportation of products to filling stations, disrupting the supply logistics. 

This statement follows reports of long fuel queues in Lagos, Abuja, and other regions. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija gathered that the reports indicate that the scarcity has driven prices up to ₦900 per litre, with private depot owners raising the ex-depot price from ₦630 to ₦720 per litre. 

Soneye also mentioned that due to the flammability of petroleum products and compliance with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, loading petrol during rainstorms and lightning is not possible.

NNPC Ltd stated that the fuel queues in the FCT and parts of the country are due to the disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels caused by a recent thunderstorm. 

According to him, the adverse weather conditions have also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation of products to filling stations, disrupting supply logistics.

NNPC Ltd also emphasized that due to the flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, it is impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning. 

Adherence to these regulations is mandatory as any deviation could pose severe danger to trucks, filling stations, and human lives. Additionally, flooding of truck routes has constrained the movement of PMS from the coastal corridors to Abuja.

NNPC Ltd is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve these logistics challenges and restore a seamless supply of petrol to the affected areas.