NNPC blames rains, lightning, thunderstorms for fuel scarcity

• Published On: 21 August 2024 at 13:52

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd has stated that the recent rains, lightning, and thunderstorms are to blame for the fuel shortage, which has caused long lines at filling stations across the country.

According to People Gazzette, Dapo Segun, NNPCL's vice-president (downstream), disclosed this during a press conference at the NNPC towers in Abuja.

Long lines have returned to gas stations across the country, with drivers waiting for extended periods of time. Fuel is now being sold for more than N1,000, which is a huge profit for black markets.

Segun apologized to Nigerians on Tuesday for the long lines that were forming across the country, saying the NNPC would make any excuses.

He stated that the recent weather conditions that have made it difficult to distribute fuel evenly across the country are beyond the corporation's control, but that every effort would be made to address the situation.

He said, "We'd like to apologize to Nigerians for the queues that have formed. A number of the causes are beyond our control, but we will do our best to manage. We do not like making excuses.

"For example, since the rains started, the Estragos channel has been difficult to navigate. We have vessel after vessel going around there due to siltation, which has significantly hampered our ability to transport petroleum products, particularly PMS, up the country."

The NNPCL executive went on to say, "We also understand that when it rains and there is lightning or thunderstorms, you have to suspend not only the discharge of petroleum products onshore but also the evacuation from the tankers. We've had some recent situations.

"We've also encountered problems with the road network. This also creates difficulties in bringing these products upcountry. The current tightness in Lagos is the result of a very short supply gap, which has since been closed. Vessels are currently in Lagos, offloading and discharging. So that was definitely short-lived."

However, he vowed that, despite several obstacles to distribution, no effort will be spared to ensure that petroleum products reach every part of the country.