The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Monday said that the fuel queues seen in the Federal Capital Territory and some parts of the country, were as a result of disruption of ship-to-ship tansfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorm.
The National oil company said this in a statement made available to THE WHISTLER.
He said 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 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, the NNPCL added is mandatory as any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives.
Similarly, it said 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 assured that it is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.
Already, it said loading has commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided, noting that the situation will continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy restored.
The statement reads, “The NNPC Ltd wishes to state that the fuel queues seen in the FCT and some parts of the country, were as a result of disruption of ship-to-ship transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorm.
“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 Ltd also states 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.
“The NNPC Ltd is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.
“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 will restored.”
The NNPC called on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.