Alex Omenye
In response to ongoing fuel supply challenges, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced extended operating hours for fuel stations across the country.
Executive Vice President of Downstream at NNPC Ltd., Mr. Dapo Segun, made this announcement during a joint inspection with officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in Abuja on Monday.
Segun attributed the supply disruptions to operational issues during ship-to-shore discharge of Premium Motor Spirit, particularly noting the impact of thunderstorms on these volatile liquid transfers. He highlighted safety concerns that necessitate temporary suspensions during adverse weather conditions, affecting both ship-to-shore operations and truck loading at depots.
“To mitigate these challenges, we are mobilizing trucks and ensuring continuous loading throughout the weekend,” Segun stated. “Additionally, we are encouraging fuel stations to extend their operating hours and promoting collaboration among marketers to optimize distribution.”
Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, echoed Segun’s remarks, attributing the fuel tightness in Abuja and parts of Lagos to weather-related disruptions affecting offshore operations and truck routes.
Regarding concerns over hoarding and black market activities, Ukoha assured the public of ongoing inspections at stations and depots to prevent such practices. “We urge Nigerians to purchase the fuel they need without panic as we address the current supply challenges,” he emphasized.
The recent scarcity and price hikes in Abuja were initially linked by NNPC to disruptions in ship-to-ship transfers of PMS and the flooding of critical truck routes, according to Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL.
These issues exacerbated fuel shortages and provided opportunities for black marketeers, who reportedly sold petrol at inflated prices, significantly impacting transportation costs and commuter experiences.
As fuel queues persist in several filling stations across the Federal Capital Territory, commuters continue to face challenges securing affordable transportation, underscoring the broader impact of the ongoing supply disruptions on daily life in the region.
