The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced extended operating hours for fuel stations nationwide in an effort to address recent petrol shortages. This initiative aims to improve the supply and distribution of petrol (PMS) and alleviate queues experienced by motorists.
Disruptions Caused by Adverse Weather
The NNPC attributed the shortages to disruptions in ship-to-ship transfers of fuel between vessels due to thunderstorms. Additionally, heavy rains and flooding have impacted jetty berthing, truck loading, and product transportation, creating logistical challenges for fuel stations.
NNPC’s Multi-Pronged Approach
To combat these issues, the NNPC is implementing a multi-faceted strategy:
- Extended Station Hours: Fuel stations will operate for longer periods to increase petrol availability.
- Trucking Optimization: The turnaround time for PMS trucking is being extended to streamline product distribution.
- Collaboration Among Marketers: Fuel marketing companies are encouraged to collaborate and share resources, ensuring a more balanced distribution across stations.
NNPC and NMDPRA Work Together
The NNPC is collaborating with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to monitor the situation. Joint inspections of fuel stations in Abuja and other parts of the country are underway to ensure adherence to regulations and prevent hoarding.
Reassurance for Motorists
The NMDPRA assures Nigerians that there is no plan to increase fuel pump prices. The organization emphasizes the importance of national strategic stockpiles for mitigating logistical challenges and stabilizing both supply and pricing.
Motorists Share Experiences
While some motorists have faced extended wait times, others haven’t experienced significant delays.
Looking Forward
The NNPC and NMDPRA remain committed to ensuring fuel security for Nigerians. The implementation of a national strategic stockpile framework is expected to further improve fuel availability and price stability in the long run.
