The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has clarified that the recent fuel queues in Abuja and other parts of the country were caused by disruptions in the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
These disruptions were due to a recent thunderstorm, which also impacted berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation of products to filling stations.
The company emphasized that the flammability of petroleum products requires strict compliance with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, which prohibit loading during rainstorms and lightning to avoid severe dangers to trucks, filling stations, and human lives.
Additionally, flooding of truck routes has further constrained the movement of PMS from coastal areas to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, exacerbating the supply challenges.
NNPC Ltd is actively working with relevant stakeholders to address these logistical issues and restore the seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.
Loading has already commenced in regions where the weather has improved, and the company expects the situation to continue improving in the coming days, leading to the restoration of normal supply.
NNPC Ltd urges motorists to refrain from panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.
