The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring normalcy to the current fuel supply hitches in parts of the country and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Lokpobiri who stated this in a statement posted on his X handle, disclosed that the fuel distribution chain was temporarily disrupted by the recent flooding on the trucking route and unavoidable logistical challenges.
While acknowledging the frustration many Nigerians are going through due to the fuel queues in cities such as Abuja, the Minister assured that the team is working round the clock to resolve the issues.
In his words: “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.
“I assure you that our dedicated team is working round the clock to resolve these issues. We are committed to restoring normal fuel supply as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
“Together, we will overcome these challenges”.
Recall that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) in a statement yesterday also blamed the situation on the disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of the petrol between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorm.
The National Oil Company said, the adverse weather condition has also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics.
The NNPC Ltd also stated that due to flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, it was impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning.
It said, adherence to these regulations was mandatory as any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives.
Similarly, it said, the development was compounded by consequential flooding of truck routes which has constrained movement of PMS from the coastal corridors to the Federal Capital, Abuja.
The company, however, assured that it was working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.
It said, already, loading has commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided, expressing hope that the situation would continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy would be restored.
