NNPCL attributes resurfaced fuel queues to flooding, logistics challenges
The fuel queues resurfaced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some parts of the country, were as a result of the 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 Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has said.
The Informant247 gathered that the company also said adverse weather conditions 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 stated that due to the flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, it was impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning, while noting that adherence to these regulations is mandatory as any deviation could pose a severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives.
It said the development was compounded by consequential flooding of truck routes, which constrained the movement of PMS from the coastal corridors to the Federal Capital, Abuja.
It assured it is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore a seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.
It said loading has already 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 be restored while calling on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.
