Fuel Scarcity: Filling Stations to Operate Longer Hours to Aid Supply – NNPC

• NNPC Ltd. announced that fuel stations will extend their operating hours to improve the supply and distribution of petrol amid disruptions in ship-to-shore discharge
• The NMDPRA attributed the fuel scarcity in Abuja and parts of Lagos to inclement weather affecting offshore operations and truck routes, urging Nigerians to avoid panic buying

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced that fuel stations will extend their operating hours to improve the supply and distribution of petrol. Mr. Dapo Segun, Executive Vice President of Downstream at NNPC Ltd., made this statement on Monday in Abuja during a joint inspection of fuel stations conducted by the company and officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Segun explained that thunderstorms disrupted the ship-to-shore discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). He noted that PMS, being a volatile liquid, requires the discharge process to be suspended during such weather conditions for safety reasons. This suspension affected the loading of trucks at depots, contributing to fuel scarcity.

He further stated, “We have challenges with the bad portions of motorways, which have deteriorated due to rains and floods across the country. Despite these challenges, we ensure continuous loading throughout the weekend and mobilise trucks. We are also encouraging fuel stations to operate for longer hours and marketers to collaborate by sharing stocks. This means that stations with more trucks can release some to other stations to aid distribution.”

Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, attributed the fuel scarcity in Abuja and parts of Lagos to inclement weather affecting offshore operations and truck routes. He assured that officials are inspecting stations and depots to prevent hoarding and curb the activities of black marketers.

“Due to the tight supply, individuals may try to exploit the situation. We urge Nigerians to go about their business and purchase only the volume they need without panic,” Ukoha added.

In another development, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance has called on stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to support NNPCL’s efforts to maintain a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Olufemi Lawson, a coalition convener, emphasized the importance of ensuring energy security for national development.

“We urge private oil marketers, depot owners, workers, the media, civil society, and all participants in the petroleum distribution chain to join hands with NNPCL in a collaborative approach. Together, we must prioritize the national interest and synchronize our efforts to overcome obstacles and improve service delivery across Nigeria,” Lawson said.