Fuel scarcity continues to affect Nigeria, with many filling stations shut down across several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, Niger, and Nasarawa. This has led to long queues, frustration, and gridlock in major cities.
In Abuja, NNPC and Conoil filling stations have long queues, with some motorists waiting hours to buy fuel. Stations like Salbas, Gegu Oil, and Eterna are closed due to a lack of product. Similarly, in Niger State, numerous filling stations, including NNPC outlets, are shut, causing massive queues at the few open stations.
In Lagos and Ogun states, only major marketers’ filling stations are dispensing fuel, resulting in long queues. Independent marketers face supply shortages, leading to closures and increased transport fares. The NNPC outlet in Iyana-Woro and other major stations, such as Heyden, MRS, Conoil, TotalEnergies, and Mobil, are selling fuel between N617 and N650 per liter. Independent marketers are charging between N700 and N900 per liter, with black market prices reaching up to N1,500 per liter.
Depot operators are rationing petrol due to low supply, and it may take up to a week to restore normalcy. “Depots are loading, but at snail speed,” said a depot operator, citing product scarcity. Another source warned that planned protests could worsen the situation by disrupting the movement of fuel trucks.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) attributed the scarcity to hitches in the discharge operations of a few vessels. Despite assurances of working to resolve the issue, many Nigerians remain skeptical. “We have heard this before, and nothing has changed,” said a motorist waiting in line to buy fuel.
The fuel scarcity is also impacting businesses, with many shutting down due to the lack of fuel. “We can’t operate without fuel, and it’s affecting our business,” said a business owner.
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