The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has mandated fuel stations to extend their operating hours to enhance the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, amidst ongoing scarcity.
NNPCL emphasized the need for increased availability of petrol amid the current tight supply situation. The corporation also highlighted an elongated turnaround period for PMS trucking to alleviate the challenges being experienced.
Mr. Dapo Segun, Executive Vice President of Downstream Operations, made these remarks during a joint inspection of stations in Abuja alongside officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
According to reports by NAN, the joint monitoring by NNPCL and NMDPRA aimed to oversee the supply and distribution of fuel across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of Nigeria, aiming to alleviate long queues at petrol stations.
NNPCL attributed the fuel queues to disruptions in the ship-to-ship transfer of fuel caused by recent thunderstorms. Adverse weather conditions such as rainstorms and lightning have also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and transportation logistics to filling stations, further complicating supply.
During the inspection, Segun explained the challenges faced during thunderstorms, which affect the discharge and transportation of PMS due to safety concerns.
He stated, “We have had to suspend all operations during thunderstorms, including ship-to-shore discharge and truck loading at depots, due to safety reasons. This has contributed to the current tightness in supply.”
Addressing the strategy to mitigate the scarcity, Segun highlighted efforts to mobilize trucks continuously and ensure fuel stations operate for extended hours.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of collaboration among marketers to distribute available stocks efficiently.
“We are encouraging marketers to share stocks among themselves. Instead of one station holding more trucks, they can release those trucks to other stations to improve circulation,” Segun added.
The NNPC’s initiative aims to alleviate the strain caused by the fuel scarcity and ensure that petrol is more readily available to consumers across Nigeria.
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