Fuel scarcity has intensified across Nigeria, leading to long queues at filling stations and a steep increase in petrol prices.
Also, in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and various states, petrol is sold for as much as N1,000 per liter.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) attributes the ongoing scarcity to a shortage of direct supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Many filling stations, particularly in satellite towns of the FCT, have been forced to shut down, while those that remain open are selling fuel at exorbitant prices.
Numerous stations in Abuja were closed, and long queues were observed at NNPCL outlets where petrol was available at N617 per liter. Some motorists usually spend the night in queues to secure fuel.
Similar conditions were reported in Lagos, with prices at NNPCL stations around N568 per liter, while other outlets sold petrol for between N600 and N650 per liter. Transporters have expressed concern over the price hikes, which are impacting their businesses.
In Kano, motorists paid up to N950 per liter at independent oil marketers’ stations, while NNPCL stations offered fuel at N620 per liter. Many drivers have opted to queue at NNPCL stations rather than pay higher prices elsewhere.
Most NNPCL filling stations in Maiduguri were closed, forcing motorists to buy petrol from independent marketers at inflated prices.
A former IPMAN chairman in Lagos, Akin Akinade, told Daily Trust that marketers buy fuel at N840 to N850 per liter from third parties, leading to retail prices of N900 and above.
The NNPCL has remained silent on the issue, with no official comment provided. The ongoing fuel crisis continues to place a heavy burden on Nigerians, with no clear resolution in sight.
