Fuel Scarcity: Filling stations to operate longer hours to aid supply – NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) announced that fuel stations will extend their operating hours to improve the supply and distribution of petrol.

Mr. Dapo Segun, the Executive Vice President of Downstream at NNPC Ltd., stated this on Monday in Abuja during a joint inspection of fuel stations conducted by the company and officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Segun explained that there was a gap in the ship-to-shore discharge of PMS, which he described as a volatile liquid. He added that during thunderstorms, the discharge process had to be suspended, disrupting the ship-to-shore movement.

“This also affected the loading of trucks at the depot because of safety reasons, so we have to suspend all that during thunderstorms and that’s why you see this tightness.

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“Though we have a challenge over the bad portions of motorways which deteriorated due to rains and floods across the country, we will ensure that we are loading out all through the weekend and that we are mobilising trucks.

“We are getting fuel stations to run for longer hours and we are getting marketers to collaborate and share stocks, rather than have a station with more trucks, they can release those trucks to other stations for circulation,’’ he said.

On his part, the executive director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, stated that the fuel tightness in Abuja and parts of Lagos was due to inclement weather affecting offshore operations and truck routes.

When asked about efforts to curb hoarding and the activities of black marketers, Ukoha said that officials were on the ground inspecting stations and depots to ensure there was no hoarding.

“Due to the tightness in supply, there may be elements who will try to take advantage of that. We assure Nigerians to go about their businesses and purchase the volume they need without panic,’’ he added.

In another development, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance has urged stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to support the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in its efforts to maintain a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, one of the conveners of the coalition, Olufemi Lawson, said ensuring energy security is crucial to national development.

“We hereby wish to call upon private oil marketers, depot owners, workers, Media, Civil Society, and all participants in the petroleum distribution chain to join hands with NNPCL in a collaborative approach.

“Together, we must prioritize the national interest, ensuring that our efforts are synchronized to overcome obstacles and improve service delivery to every corner of Nigeria.”