July 8, 2024

…Cautions against panic buying, vows to restore normalcy

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says that the fuel queues seen in the FCT and some parts of the country, were as a result of logistics challenges and adverse weather condition.

In a statement by Olufemi Soneye,  spokesperson of the NNPC on Monday, 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 explained further that it has witnessed 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.

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

NNPC however, noted that 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 full normalcy would be restored.

The company called on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.