By Joke Kujenya
THE NIGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has addressed the recent surge in petrol prices at filling stations across the country, attributing the situation to disruptions caused by severe weather conditions.
On July 8, 2024, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, explained that the fuel queues in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other regions resulted from a thunderstorm that disrupted the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels.
The adverse weather has not only affected berthing at jetties but has also hindered truck load-outs and the transportation of petrol to filling stations. This disruption in station supply logistics has been a significant factor in the scarcity of fuel, it states.
In compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, the NNPC has emphasized the necessity to halt petrol loading during rainstorms and lightning due to the flammability of petroleum products.
Any deviation from these safety protocols could endanger trucks, filling stations, and human lives, the release states.
The situation has been further complicated by flooding along truck routes, which has impeded the movement of PMS from coastal areas to Abuja.
Despite these challenges, the NNPC says it is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics issues and restore a seamless supply of petrol to the affected regions.
The statement adds that loading operations have already resumed in areas where conditions have improved, and the NNPC is optimistic that the situation will continue to get better in the coming days, with full normalcy expected to be restored soon.
The corporation has also urged motorists to refrain from panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products to avoid exacerbating the situation.
