The current petrol supply crisis in Nigeria has been attributed to seven daughter vessels, collectively carrying 150 million litres of petrol, being trapped at the Escravos channel in the Niger Delta. These vessels, unable to offload their cargo due to logistical issues, have disrupted the supply chain, leading to shortages and long queues at gas stations nationwide.
Huub Stokman, managing director of NNPC Retail Limited, highlighted the fragile nature of Nigeria’s supply chain, where small disruptions like bad weather or low tides can cause significant issues. With daughter vessels in short supply, the delay in evacuating petroleum products from mother vessels exacerbates distribution challenges.
The disruption has resulted in extended waiting times for consumers at gas stations, with individuals like Afolabi Akintola expressing frustration over the situation. Additionally, the impending completion of the Dangote oil refinery poses further challenges to European refineries, potentially leading to heightened competition and vessel trade adjustments.
Source: Business Day