The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the recent fuel scarcity to logistical issues, which it claims have been resolved. However, the scarcity persists, affecting numerous states, including Lagos, Oyo, and Osun, and showing no signs of abating.
Motorists and users are facing lengthy queues at filling stations, with some waiting for hours to access fuel. Black market operators are capitalizing on the situation, selling fuel at exorbitant prices of up to N900 per liter, exploiting desperate citizens.
Despite assurances from NNPCL and major marketers like 11 Plc, the scarcity has led to widespread frustration and economic hardship. Independent marketers are struggling to access products, leading to widespread closures of filling stations.
The few outlets with fuel are selling at inflated prices, ranging from N600 to N700 per liter, depending on the location. This has resulted in a surge in transportation costs, with commuters bearing the brunt.
Fares have increased by up to 100% in some areas, with the journey from Mile 12 to Mile 2, which previously cost N1,000, now costing N2,000, and the trip from CMS to Mile 2 rising from N500 to N1,000.
The scarcity has significant implications for the economy, as businesses and industries reliant on fuel are forced to scale back operations or shut down entirely. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has warned of impending fare hikes and potential strikes if the situation persists.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) warns that the scarcity may persist for another two weeks due to importation bottlenecks and the slow pace of marketers’ license renewal by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
As the situation continues to unfold, Nigerians are bracing themselves for further hardship and economic strain. The government is under pressure to address the crisis and find a lasting solution to the recurring issue of fuel scarcity, which has become a recurring decimal in the country’s economic woes.