..Cargo of 81,200 metric tonnes of PMS sourced from Dangote Refinery affected
Delay may cost MRS $65,000 daily in demurrage charges
Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday disrupted the discharge of a large consignment of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at the MRS terminal in TinCan Island, Apapa, Lagos, triggering concerns over possible supply and financial implications.
The affected vessel, identified as MT Ny Maria, was reportedly carrying 81,200 metric tonnes of petrol loaded from the Dangote Refinery for delivery to MRS Oil Nigeria Plc.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that customs enforcement officers stormed the terminal during the discharge operation and confronted security personnel stationed at the facility.
According to eyewitness accounts, the customs officers also attempted to arrest the captain of the vessel, although no official reason was provided for the action.
The intervention led to the immediate suspension of the discharge process after the vessel’s captain reportedly complied with the directive to halt operations.
Industry sources said the cargo had already obtained the necessary clearances from relevant government agencies before discharge commenced.
“The vessel commenced discharge after receiving break-bulk clearance from both the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigeria Customs Service,” a source familiar with the matter disclosed.
The source further noted that the vessel had successfully completed port, customs and immigration documentation processes before arriving at the discharge stage.
Video footage reportedly obtained from the scene showed a tense confrontation between customs enforcement personnel and security operatives at the terminal.
The incident has raised questions among stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector regarding the circumstances surrounding the customs action.
Sources within MRS indicated that the company has since escalated the matter to the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service in a bid to resolve the impasse and resume discharge operations.
The delay is expected to have significant financial implications, with officials estimating that the vessel could incur demurrage charges of approximately $65,000 per day for every day the cargo remains undischarged.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Customs Service nor MRS Oil Nigeria Plc had issued an official statement explaining the reason for the disruption.
Industry observers say the outcome of discussions between MRS and customs authorities will be closely watched, given the strategic importance of petroleum product distribution and the role of the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by stakeholders to ensure seamless distribution of petroleum products across the country and avoid disruptions that could affect market stability.
