The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has given reasons for the return of fuel scarcity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and in some parts of the country.
NNPCL, in a statement by its spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, said the fuel scarcity was as a result of 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.
The company said the adverse weather condition had also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics.
The NNPCL 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.
The company said 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 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 would be restored,” the company said.
The NNPCL also called on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.
