ICYMI: Fuel tanker drivers vacate depots over COVID-19

Fuel tanker drivers under the auspices of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have suspended their services effective from Friday, March 27.

Yusuf Othman, the association president, said the suspension was in line with federal government’s efforts to control the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

“In compliance with this directive, we have similarly directed all our employees (tanker drivers) to keep away from the depots and stay at home with effect from Friday, March 27, pending when the situation is brought under control,” Othman said.

“This action is necessitated by the fact that our loading depots across the country are places of beehive of activities containing more than 500 persons at any one time.”

However, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has assured that there is no need for fear of fuel scarcity.

Chinedu Okoronkwo, IPMAN president, told NAN on Friday that members had trucks and filling stations across the country that would ensure an adequate supply of petroleum products during the critical period.

“Energy is very crucial to the people, especially petrol which many use to power their homes and also health institutions during power cuts,” he said.

“As patriotic citizens, we cannot at this point in time shut down because millions of people are staying at home to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“There is no need for anybody to panic. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation should open its depots, and we are ready to load products.

“IPMAN is ready to step up and ensure that there is no panic-buying of petrol which can expose more people to the virus.”

He said that IPMAN was aware of the dangers posed by the coronavirus and had been sensitising its members and employees to global best safety and health practices.