CurrentReport BlogThe Petroleum Product Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed concern over the recent surge in petrol truck crashes across the country, attributing these incidents to three key factors: driver negligence, deteriorating road conditions, and faulty petrol trucks. According to PETROAN, these crashes are not only causing significant loss of life and property but also posing an alarming safety threat to communities nationwide.
In an exclusive interview, Francis Dimkpa, the Rivers State Chairman of PETROAN, emphasized that the primary cause of the recent fire incidents resulting from truck crashes is petrol spills that ignite due to heat from the roads. Dimkpa clarified that explosions or substandard petrol, as speculated by some on social media, were not the root cause. He explained that the heat generated by the roads, combined with the public’s attempt to salvage spilled petrol, can easily lead to dangerous fires.
“The heat from the roads, particularly during the hot months, causes petrol spills to ignite. When people attempt to collect the spilled petrol, the ignition risk increases significantly,” Dimkpa said. He further called for a collective effort from all stakeholders—including truck drivers, owners, and the public—to curb these accidents and mitigate their consequences.
PETROAN has also been proactive in addressing the issue by educating petrol truck drivers on the importance of exercising caution on the roads. Dimkpa urged truck owners to ensure that their vehicles are well-maintained and roadworthy to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. He emphasized that a focus on proper maintenance and driver awareness is crucial for reducing the number of crashes and the associated risks of fire outbreaks.
He also took the opportunity to appeal to the public to maintain a safe distance from overturned petrol trucks, stressing that no amount of salvaged petrol is worth risking human life. “Whenever a petrol truck falls, it poses a huge risk to everyone in the vicinity. People must avoid the temptation to salvage fuel and keep a safe distance from such incidents,” Dimkpa warned.
Rising Toll of Petrol Truck Accidents
Recent reports across Nigeria have documented several incidents involving petrol trucks falling over and spilling their dangerous contents on the roads. These accidents have led to numerous fatalities, injuries, and widespread property damage. Many of these crashes have occurred in high-traffic areas, posing a grave threat to both motorists and pedestrians.
In response to the increasing frequency of these incidents, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has stepped in with new regulatory measures aimed at curbing the rising number of truck crashes and explosions. The NMDPRA has imposed a ban on 60,000-litre petrol tankers from operating on roads across the country. This ban is set to take effect on March 1, 2025, with the goal of reducing the risk of accidents associated with larger tankers.
Additionally, the regulatory body has announced plans to further limit the capacity of petrol tankers allowed to load fuel at depots. By the fourth quarter of 2025, trucks with a capacity exceeding 45,000 litres will be prohibited from loading petroleum products. This move is part of a broader strategy to tackle the safety hazards posed by over-sized tankers and to minimize the potential for catastrophic incidents.
The NMDPRA has stated that these measures are just the beginning of a comprehensive approach to addressing the ongoing issue of petroleum tanker accidents and explosions. These regulations aim to improve road safety, protect the public, and ensure better oversight of the transportation of petroleum products across the country.
With an increasing number of petrol truck crashes and the consequent dangers of fire outbreaks, PETROAN’s proactive measures are vital for raising awareness and driving change. However, the responsibility does not rest solely on the shoulders of truck owners and drivers. The public, government agencies, and regulatory bodies must also contribute to preventing further tragedies.
The recent regulatory changes announced by NMDPRA reflect a growing commitment to tackling this issue head-on. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the safety concerns surrounding petrol truck operations, a concerted effort from all parties involved is needed to ensure that these dangerous incidents become a thing of the past.
By adhering to these regulations, improving maintenance protocols, and fostering a culture of safety, Nigeria can hope to reduce the frequency of these accidents and safeguard the lives of its citizens.
