Fuel scarcity has hit several Nigerian states, including Lagos, Ogun, parts of Abuja, and Niger, causing long queues at fuel stations and a surge in black market prices. Many depots for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, are currently dry, leading to the shortage.
Black marketers have exploited the situation, selling petrol at exorbitant prices ranging from N1,300 to N1,500 per litre in parts of Lagos and Ogun. The scarcity began manifesting in long queues at fuel stations in Abuja and Lagos on Friday, which have persisted.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) attributed the tight fuel supply and distribution to issues with the discharge operations of some vessels. Olufemi Soneye, the NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, stated, “The tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.” He assured that the company is working tirelessly with stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy.
Despite these assurances, the situation worsened over the weekend. Reports indicated that there was no loading of trucks at the Apapa depots on Sunday. A depot operator confirmed that almost all depots were dry, with supply delays affecting product load-out.
In Abuja, some fuel stations sold petrol for between N660 and N800 per litre, while black marketers hiked prices to about N1,200 per litre. Similarly, in Lagos and Ogun, many fuel stations remained closed, while those open experienced long queues. Black marketers in these areas sold fuel for up to N1,500 per litre.
Oil marketers revealed they are also facing challenges loading petrol due to the lack of stock at depots. Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, expressed hope that the NNPC’s efforts would normalize the situation within the week. However, he highlighted that most depots are dry, leading to empty stations and long queues.
Major marketers, represented by Clement Isong, Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, confirmed the low stock levels but could not predict when the situation would improve. Isong mentioned that challenges in bringing the product into the country from vessels were causing the scarcity.
In various states, including Ogun, Benin, Gombe, Jos, and others, residents reported severe impacts from the fuel shortage. Black market prices varied, with some areas seeing prices as high as N1,300 per litre. The scarcity has worsened the economic hardship for many Nigerians, leading to increased transport fares and higher costs of living.
In Minna, the Niger State capital, some residents have resorted to using motorcycles instead of cars due to the high fuel prices. Meanwhile, Katsina and Taraba states also experienced resurfacing queues at fuel stations, with motorists waiting for hours without success.
The NNPC spokesperson did not respond to inquiries about when the fuel supply situation would improve. As Nigerians grapple with the scarcity and inflated prices, there is a growing demand for immediate government action to alleviate the crisis.
