The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, MEMAN, advised Nigerians on Sunday not to engage in panic buying of fuel.
MEMAN Executive Secretary, Mr Clement Isong, gave this advice in an interview with NAN due to the ongoing queues at filling stations across Lagos.
Isong explained that the shortfall of product in most stations was due to adverse weather and thunderstorms that delayed ship-to-ship (STS) trans-loading, berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, thereby disrupting 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 are flammable and require 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.
