The Petroleum Product Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has identified key factors contributing to the increasing petrol truck crashes and fires across the country.
Major Causes of Truck Accidents
According to PETROAN’s Rivers State Chairman, Francis Dimkpa, the primary causes of these incidents are driver negligence, poor road conditions, and faulty trucks. He clarified that recent fire outbreaks linked to petrol trucks were caused by fuel spills igniting, rather than explosions or substandard fuel, as speculated on social media.
Fuel Spills and Fire Hazards
Dimkpa explained that when petrol spills onto the road, the combination of heat from the asphalt and unsafe public attempts to collect the fuel can trigger fires. He stressed the need for caution, urging all stakeholders to play an active role in preventing such disasters.
PETROAN is currently working to educate truck drivers on safe handling practices and has called on truck owners to properly maintain their vehicles. Additionally, Dimkpa warned the public to keep a safe distance from fallen petrol tankers, emphasizing that no amount of salvaged fuel is worth endangering lives.
Regulatory Action to Improve Safety
In response to rising tanker-related accidents, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has introduced new measures to enhance road safety.
- Ban on Large Tankers: From March 1, 2025, petrol trucks with a 60,000-litre capacity will no longer be allowed to load fuel at depots nationwide.
- Further Restrictions: By the fourth quarter of 2025, trucks exceeding 45,000 litres in capacity will also be banned from transporting petroleum products.
These regulatory steps aim to reduce the frequency of petrol truck accidents and associated fires, which have resulted in numerous casualties in recent years. Authorities continue to urge compliance with safety regulations to mitigate further risks on Nigerian roads.
