By Sulaimon Salau
Amid the lingering fuel crisis in the country, nine vessels laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, gas, diesel, and aviation fuel are currently waiting on the high sea, seeking approvals to berth at the Lagos ports.
Despite Petrol now selling for between N170 and 260 at filling stations across the country, several outlets are still under lock and key for lack of products.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) data obtained by The Guardian revealed that the nine ships named: More West, Rich Harvest, Proodos, Flagship Sage, Stena Imprimis, Super Ruby, Alfred Temile, Laperouse, and Maestro are waiting at the Lagos anchorage as Customs is yet to release them for an onward anchor.
The delay might not be unconnected to the Nigerian Customs Service’s (NCS) cumbersome documentation process, as they were tagged CRNAPP, meaning Customs Release Not Applicable (West Coast).
Additionally, it was learnt that 26 more ships are expected at the Lagos Pilotage District, between now and January 3rd, 2023, laden with PMS, fish, sugar, salt, soya beans, and general cargo among others.
Meanwhile, there are still queues at filling stations, with the independent petroleum marketers who had earlier expressed dismay about the price parity, appealing to the government, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to make the products available to them at a reasonable price.
Also, the domestic airlines under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have warned about the scarcity of aviation fuel otherwise known as JETA1, saying it may cause disruptions in flight operations.
The AON in a statement by its spokesman, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, said that the scarcity would force airlines to reschedule flights, leading to delayed operations and cancellations in some cases.
It stated that the unexpected development was a dent in airline operators and the industry, especially at this time of mass movement of people for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
