.. NMDPRA conducts comprehensive monitoring exercises at fuel stations nationwide
…Lokpobiri assures swift resolution to fuel queues, blames flooding, weather as cause of supply disruption
Emmanuel Oduara
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that Premium Motor Spirit(petrol) stations will now operate for longer hours to alleviate the fuel queues experienced in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities across the country, additionally, extending the turnaround period for PMS trucking.
Dapo Segun, NNPC Ltd., Executive Vice President of Downstream, made this assurance during a joint inspection of fuel stations with Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) officials in Abuja on Monday.
Earlier, Lokpobiri Heineken, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), on the sideline of the fuel scarcity and queues in filling stations across the country expressed understanding of the public’s frustration
He said, “I understand the frustration many of you are feeling due to the fuel queues in cities such as Abuja. Recent flooding on the trucking route and unavoidable logistical challenges due to weather concerns have temporarily disrupted our distribution chain.
The Minister has therefore assured that a dedicated team is working round the clock to resolve these issues, restating the government’s commitment to restoring normal fuel supply as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, NNPC Ltd. EVP Downstream during the tour of filling stations in Abuja explained that adverse weather conditions have significantly impacted the ship-to-shore discharge of PMS, a volatile liquid.
Segun said, “During thunderstorms, it cannot be discharged due to safety reasons, which also affects the loading of trucks at the depot.
“This is why you see this tightness. Despite challenges like deteriorating motorways due to rains and flooding, we will ensure continuous loading throughout the weekend and mobilize more trucks.
“Fuel stations will run for longer hours, and marketers will collaborate and share stocks.So, rather than have a station with more trucks, they can release those trucks to other stations for circulation,” NNPC Ltd. EVP Downstream said.
Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, added that the tightness in Abuja and parts of Lagos was caused by inclement weather impacting offshore operations and trucking routes.
He assured that efforts are underway to prevent hoarding and black-market activities, “Our officials are on the ground at stations and depots to ensure there is no hoarding.
“We urge Nigerians to purchase the volume they need without panic.”
Ukoha also clarified that there are no plans to increase the fuel pump price, “There is no intention or any anticipated plan to increase pump price. Our two organizations will continue to collaborate to ensure energy security.”
Advisors Reports gathered that the joint efforts by NNPC and NMDPRA aim to address the disruptions caused by recent thunderstorms and improve the fuel supply chain.
