Nigeria is contending with a severe fuel scarcity, leading to long queues at filling stations across various states.
As of Wednesday, petrol prices have surged to nearly N1,000 per litre in many regions, with black marketers charging between N1,200 and N1,500 per litre.
The scarcity has disrupted transport services, causing hikes in fares and long waits for passengers.
The crisis, which began on July 27, 2024, is attributed to limited supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the country’s sole petrol importer.
Reports suggest that NNPC is rationing supplies, with some states receiving only one truckload of petrol. This rationing, coupled with a lack of formal communication from NNPC, has left fuel stations across the country empty.
Oil marketers, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirm that they are only dispensing the limited amount of fuel provided by NNPC. Marketers report no formal updates from NNPC on the situation and express frustration over the prolonged scarcity.
Filling stations, including those managed by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, confirm they are out of stock and unable to replenish supplies due to NNPC’s limited distribution. They stress that the situation is worsening, particularly in regions like Abuja.
Operators at depots in Apapa, Lagos, also report inadequate supplies, with current imports failing to meet the national demand.
The crisis is exacerbated by NNPC’s debt issues, which have led to rationed fuel distribution and increased prices at private depots.
