- NNPC and Stakeholders vow to restore normalcy
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd. has attributed the recent fuel queues in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and various parts of the country to disruptions in the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. Abuja Olufemi Soneye said this disruption, caused by a recent thunderstorm, has affected the transfer between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels.
He added that adverse weather conditions have also impacted berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation of products to filling stations, causing significant disruptions in station supply logistics. The NNPC highlighted that due to the flammability of petroleum products and compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, loading petrol during rainstorms and lightning is not feasible.
Soneye said adhering to these safety regulations is crucial to prevent potential hazards to trucks, filling stations, and human lives. He said the situation has been exacerbated by flooding along truck routes, hindering the movement of PMS from coastal corridors to Abuja.
He said NNPC Ltd. is actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address these logistics challenges and ensure the smooth supply of petrol to affected areas. Loading has already resumed in regions where conditions have improved, and it is anticipated that the situation will continue to stabilize in the coming days, restoring full normalcy.
Motorists are urged to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.
