In response to recent fuel shortages, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced that fuel stations will extend their operating hours to enhance the supply and distribution of petrol, News About Nigeria reports.
This decision was revealed by Mr. Dapo Segun, the Executive Vice President of Downstream at NNPC Ltd., during a joint inspection of fuel stations in Abuja with officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Segun attributed the fuel supply issues to disruptions in the ship-to-shore discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), citing the volatility of the liquid and the need to suspend operations during thunderstorms for safety reasons.
These interruptions also affected the loading of trucks at depots, contributing to the supply tightness.
“We have encountered challenges with the bad portions of motorways, worsened by rains and floods across the country,” Segun explained.
“To address this, we will ensure continuous loading throughout the weekend and mobilise additional trucks. Fuel stations will run for longer hours, and marketers will collaborate to share stocks, optimising distribution.”
Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, noted that the fuel tightness in Abuja and parts of Lagos was primarily due to inclement weather affecting offshore operations and truck routes.
He assured the public that measures were in place to prevent hoarding and black market activities, with officials actively inspecting stations and depots.
“Elements may try to exploit the supply tightness, but we urge Nigerians to purchase fuel as needed without panic,” Ukoha added.
The recent scarcity and fuel price hike in Abuja have been linked to weather-related disruptions, including thunderstorms and flooding of truck routes.
These conditions have constrained the movement of PMS from coastal corridors to the city, leading to fuel queues and the closure of many filling stations.
This situation has created an opportunity for black marketeers to sell petrol at exorbitant prices, usually higher than usual, affecting transportation costs and stranding many commuters.
NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed these disruptions and their impact on fuel availability and prices.
