Queues at Filling Stations: Thunderstorm responsible for fuel scarcity — MEMAN

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has said that the shortfall of petrol in most stations was due to adverse weather and thunderstorms that delayed ship-to-ship (STS) trans-loading, among others.

Its Executive Secretary, Mr Clement Isong, disclosed this on Sunday due to the ongoing queues at filling stations across Lagos.

He however advised Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of fuel for stockpiling purposes.

Others reasons for the scarcity, he said, included berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, creating a disruption in station supply logistics.

He noted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had also warned that the loading of petrol should be avoided during rainstorms and lightning.

Isong emphasised that petroleum products were flammable and required transportation, dispensation, consumption and storage in strictly controlled and regulated manners.

“Any deviation from these regulations poses significant danger and risks, including fatalities.

“We wish to reiterate that there is no cause for alarm. We strongly urge Nigerians to avoid panic buying or stockpiling of petrol.

“This behaviour not only creates artificial scarcity but also poses a significant safety hazard,” Isong said.

He added that the delay in loading petroleum products at depots due to storms contributed to the shortfall of stocks in filling stations.

“Many trucks could not load product for over 48 hours during the storm.

“Now that the weather is clear, marketers have begun loading, and all trucks have commenced distribution of fuel to all stations across the country.

“We want to assure Nigerians that there is no scarcity, and they should not stock petrol at home,” he said.