The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has attributed recent fuel queues in Abuja and other areas to disruptions in ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of petrol caused by a thunderstorm. This adverse weather also affected berthing, truck load-outs, and transportation to filling stations.
NNPC cited safety regulations from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that prohibit loading petrol during rainstorms and lightning. Flooding of truck routes further constrained the movement of petrol from coastal areas to the Federal Capital.
The company urged motorists to avoid panic buying and assured that efforts are underway to resolve the logistics issues and restore normal supply. Loading has already resumed in affected areas, with improvements expected in the coming days.