The NNPC Limited has blamed the latest fuel queues seen in the FCT and some parts of the country on 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 recent thunderstorm.
Besides, it added that 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.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Femi Soneye, on Monday.
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 is mandatory as any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives.
“Similarly, 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 statement read.
Soneye said that NNPC Ltd is currently working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.
Already, he said that loading has commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided.
“We are hoping the situation will continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy will restored,” he assured.
The chief corporate communications officer of NNPC LTD also called on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.
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