Rain, lightning and thunderstorms have caused the current fuel scarcity across the country, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL’s), Vice President, Downstream Operations, Dapo Segun.
Fuel queues have reappeared across the country, with car owners enduring long waits at filling stations, while black market prices for PMS have soared to over N1,000 per litre.
However, apologizing for the inconvenience, Mr. Segun, who spoke at a press conference earlier today (Wednesday, August 21) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, explained that while the NNPCL does not wish to make excuses, the recent weather conditions, which have disrupted the distribution of fuel, are beyond the corporation’s control.
But he assured that every effort would be made to bring the situation under control as quickly as possible.
“We apologize to Nigerians for the queues that have emerged. Many of the causes are beyond our control, but we are committed to managing the situation as best we can. We don’t like to offer excuses,” Segun said.
“For instance, since the onset of the rains, the Estravos channel has become difficult to navigate due to siltation, which has significantly hampered our ability to transport petroleum products, particularly PMS, to the interior regions.”
Segun lamented that the weather conditions have further complicated the situation, stating, “When there are lightning and thunderstorms, the discharge of petroleum products must be suspended, both onshore and from tankers, which has been a recent challenge.”
“Additionally, the state of the road network has posed further difficulties in transporting these products inland. The fuel shortage currently affecting Lagos was due to a brief supply gap, which has since been addressed. Vessels are now offloading and discharging in Lagos, so this issue should be short-lived,” he enthused.
Despite the numerous challenges contributing to the fuel scarcity, Mr. Segun vowed that the NNPCL would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that petroleum products reach all corners of the country.
