MRS Chief lists causes kerosene scarcity, explosion

Poor state of roads, receiving trucks and loading kerosene (DPK) in petrol stations or on the road with open kegs without no attention to safety controls among others have been identified as part of the risks related to DPK handling in Nigeria and that has contributed greatly to most hazardous incidents recorded in recent times.
These assertions were highlighted in a presentation made by Ms. Amina Maina, Group Executive Director at MRS Holdings at the Tincan Island Port, during a recent visit by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, in Lagos.
While commenting on the company’s product quality assurance procedure, Ms Maina said top, middle and lower samples of the products are taken from each compartment of the vessel and shore tanks and are properly labeled and handled to prevent contamination. She explained that samples are subsequently transported to the surveyor’s laboratory and MRS laboratory for analysis (ASTM/IP methods) and thereafter retained for a minimum of 90days or until next receipt. According to her, customers are also given daily quality certificate of MRS product in storage.

‘‘With reference to our supply, we run a fully integrated supply chain business model, with a specific focus on trading of refined petroleum products from the refineries, shipping to various locations, including our terminal; bulk storage of refined products, distribution, marketing and retailing.
‘‘We use advanced trading and risk management techniques to source highest-quality refined petroleum products at the most competitive prices across the world. Through our trading office we have succeeded in establishing excellent merchant relationships with major refineries, blenders and trading companies all over the world…’,’ she said.
She said to minimize the hazards associated with kerosene handling, it shout as a product with a high flash point, be handled the same way PMS or ATK are handled. “There must also be introduction of truck standards which is similar or same like that of ATK trucks. Regulators should also ensure that sale of DPK in petrol stations are done through pre-packed sealed kegs.
Truck bottom loading system can also be introduced and the masses and stakeholders must also be sensitized about high risks of handling DPK, and the masses must be convinced and educated to start using LPG in compliance with global best practices.

”We are proud to say as a foremost downstream oil company, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, in April officially commissioned a berthing terminal, Dantata Jetty, with the capacity to berth vessels of 80,000–120,000 metric tonnes capacity at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. This facility is reputed in the downstream sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as the first of its kind in any port in Africa and will save Nigeria millions of dollars spent annually by marketers of petroleum products to hire daughter vessels to lift products from the mother vessels on the high seas to the depots, as the mother vessels can now berth directly at our new Jetty,” Hajia Maina said.
She disclosed that the sharp decline in importation of DPK was because marketers no longer enjoy subsidy and again unstable and high cost of dollars are factors that have contributed to that. She further said that the no investor would like to take a risk that would put his capital in jeopardy.
According to her, the last time MRS brought in DPK to the country was a year ago.

Speaking on traffic situation in Apapa and the step the company is making to help decongest the affected area, Hajia Maina said MRS approached Grimaldi shipping and Five Star Logistics with the proposal that they should jointly float a holding bay somewhere close to Tincan popularly known as ‘Abuja’ and create Truck Park with the responsibility to manage traffic, ensure toilets availability, restaurant and other social amenities, she said the idea was halted because relevant stakeholders in government didn’t show interest.
Speaking, Chairman of the Committee, Hon Joseph Akinlaja who disclosed that the visit was part of it oversight function as the committee engages various stakeholders in the country’s oil and gas sector including the industry regulators to find out the causes of kerosene scarcity and explosions in the country.
After a tour of the facility, he said “…I must commend your management for this uncommon progress; your operations are strictly in adherence to safety standards and procedures…This is an opportunity for more prospective investors to invest in this sector, more importantly it has created a lot of employment for job seeking young Nigerians,’’ Hon Akinlaja said