Scarcity: Fuel Shortages and Queues Worsen in Lagos, Abuja, and Other Cities

The nation’s fuel shortage worsened yesterday as filling stations ran out of stock, shutting their gates to motorists. Checks by Nigerianews247 in Lagos revealed long queues at stations with available fuel, leading to panic buying across the state.

Illegal operators were seen selling fuel along Ikorodu Road, Maryland, and Marina due to the absence of regulatory enforcement by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDRA).

In Abuja, the situation also deteriorated as more stations ran out of stock and black marketers increased prices to N1,500 per litre. Major marketers’ outlets in the central area of the city were shut down, though NNPC Retail mega stations and NIPCO stations continued to dispense fuel amid long queues.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) attributed the supply difficulties to logistical challenges and flooding in coastal areas. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, assured that normalcy was being restored, urging Nigerians to remain patient.

Trade Union Congress (TUC) President and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) leader Festus Osifo called on the federal government to address logistics and weather issues affecting supply. He emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements, including pipelines and depots, to prevent recurring shortages.

The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, highlighted the impact of rising logistics costs and diesel scarcity on fuel distribution. He urged the government to subsidize logistics costs and improve forex availability to support fuel importation until local refineries are operational. Gillis-Harry denied allegations of profiteering by marketers, noting that prices are influenced by supply challenges.

Despite the challenges, he assured Nigerians that the current fuel shortages would be resolved soon.