Rain, lightning, and thunderstorm caused petrol scarcity – NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL) has explained why fuel scarcity resurfaced nationwide.

Dapo Segun, NNPCL’s Vice President (Downstream), addressed the situation during a press conference on Tuesday, August 20, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

He attributed the recent fuel scarcity, which has resulted in long queues at filling stations across the country, to the impact of recent rains, lightning, and thunderstorms.

He acknowledged the widespread fuel queues, which have forced car owners to endure long wait times and led to a surge in black market activity, with fuel prices reaching over N1,000 per litre.

Mr Segun apologised to Nigerians for the inconvenience, stating that while the corporation does not wish to make excuses, the adverse weather conditions affecting fuel distribution are beyond their control.

He assured the public that NNPCL is taking all necessary steps to manage the situation.

He said: “We apologise to Nigerians for the fuel queues. Many of the challenges we’re facing are outside our control, but we’re doing our best to address them.

“For instance, the recent rains have made the Estragos channel difficult to navigate due to siltation, which has significantly hindered our ability to transport petroleum products, especially PMS, across the country.”

He also mentioned that lightning and thunderstorms have forced the suspension of fuel discharges both onshore and from tankers, further complicating the distribution process. Additionally, road network issues have posed challenges in transporting fuel to different regions.

However, Mr Segun emphasised that the supply tightness observed in Lagos has been addressed, with vessels currently offloading fuel in the city.

He pledged that NNPCL will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that petroleum products are distributed nationwide despite the challenges.