Fuel scarcity: Banks to close operations at 1pm

Commercial banks in the country yesterday informed customers of their decision to close banking services between 1 and 2pm everyday following their inability to source fuel to power their operations. The notice comes as the banks which have always depended generators to run their business can no longer get full due to the ongoing scarcity across the country.
When Daily Sun visited some of the commercial bank branches along Old Ojo road in the Maza Maza area of Lagos, distraught staff lamented the shortage of diesel, which is frustrating banks customers.
Following the warning most customers made a quick rush to their banks to withdraw money to avoid being stranded.
Those who attempted to go after the new closing time were after the closure time, were shut out by security guards attached to those banks as they were left stranded.
According to a staff of one of the commercial banks visited, the management is extremely worried about the ugly situation, which he said may lead to nationwide protest, that may further endanger the operation and lives of the workers, if the banks do not tread softly.
Some of the banks that gave indication of new closing time are Guarantee Trust, Zenith, First City Monument, Diamond, Wema, and First Bank.
Meanwhile, Guaranty Trust Bank, in a bulk SMS to customers, announced it will close operations in all its branches across the country at exactly 1.00pm on Monday.
The bank said the current shortage of petroleum products has limited its ability to supply diesel to all the branches, thus hampering normal banking operations in various units.
GTB management however said all its alternative channels would be fully functional and available for personal and business transactions.
“The current shortage of petroleum products in the country has limited our ability to supply diesel to all our branches, in order to continue normal branch operations.
“Due to this, we unavoidably have to close our branches nationwide at 1:00pm, from tomorrow Monday, 25th May 2015.
“Whilst we have had to take this step to close branch operations early, we would like to seek your understanding at this time, and assure you that we will continue to work hard at finding alternative solutions to this situation and will advise you once the situation has abated”, the bank said.
FBN said: “owing to the current nationwide fuel crisis; this is to inform you that all First Bank branches will close for business by 1pm from Monday May 25, 2015 till the situation improves.
“Since serving our customers is top priority, we will ensure that they can still bank with us through our alternative channels.”
“Dear Customer, our branches will close at 1pm from Mon May 25, due to the shortage of petroleum products. All our alternate channels will remain available,” FCMB said via a statement sent by text to its customers.
However, all our alternative channels will be fully functional and available for all your Personal and Business Banking.”
Other commercial banks have also issued notice of early closure of operations on Monday.
The petrol crisis has also led to the shutting down of radio station with telecommunications companies warning that their service might be affected as well.
Meanwhile, the scarcity is expected to end soon as oil marketers in the country have called off their strike and are to begin supplying petroleum products nationwide after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government.