The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced that fuel stations will extend their operating hours to improve petrol supply and distribution.
This decision was shared by Mr. Dapo Segun, Executive Vice President of Downstream at NNPC Ltd., during a joint inspection with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Segun noted that disruptions in ship-to-shore discharge of petrol, caused by thunderstorms, have affected the loading of trucks at depots, contributing to supply tightness.
To address these issues, NNPC Ltd. is working to mobilize trucks and ensure continuous loading throughout the weekend, despite challenges posed by bad road conditions due to rains and floods.
They are also encouraging fuel stations to operate longer hours and for marketers to collaborate by sharing stocks to improve distribution.
Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, confirmed that the fuel shortages in Abuja and Lagos are due to inclement weather impacting offshore operations and truck routes.
Efforts to prevent hoarding and black market activities include on-ground inspections of stations and depots by officials.
(Daily Trust)