The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has called on fuel stations to extend their operating hours to ensure better supply and distribution of petrol, amid the current tight fuel situation. This was announced by Dapo Segun, the Executive Vice President, Downstream of NNPC, on Monday in Abuja during a joint inspection with officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
NNPC stated that the turnaround period for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) trucking is being extended to ease the ongoing distribution challenges. The inspection aims to ensure that fuel queues in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country are addressed.
The recent fuel shortages have been attributed to disruptions in ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of fuel between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels caused by recent thunderstorms. Adverse weather conditions, including rainstorms and lightning, have affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and transportation of products to filling stations, resulting in supply chain disruptions.
Segun highlighted the safety measures taken during thunderstorms, which include suspending ship-to-shore discharge of PMS, a volatile liquid. This suspension also affects the loading of trucks at depots.
“We are addressing the situation by ensuring fuel stations operate longer hours and encouraging marketers to collaborate and share stocks. This will help distribute the available supply more evenly across different stations,” Segun explained.
Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, attributed the tightness in fuel supply in Abuja and parts of Lagos to inclement weather affecting offshore operations and trucking routes.
To combat hoarding and black-market activities, Ukoha assured that officials are monitoring stations and depots to prevent such practices. He also confirmed that there are no plans to increase fuel pump prices, emphasizing ongoing efforts to ensure energy security.
The inspection covered several fuel stations in the FCT, including NNPC Ltd. Retail Outlet at Katampe and the AP fuel station at Ibrahim Way, Garki 2, both of which had long queues. Station managers confirmed having sufficient stock and accurate pump dispensation, relying on consistent energy supply for operations.
Motorists expressed mixed feelings, with some spending extended periods in queues while others experienced shorter wait times. They appealed to the government for lasting solutions to the fuel supply issues.
