Nigeria Continues to Fight Petrol Scarcity as Long Queues Form across Major Cities

Nigeria is currently facing a severe petrol scarcity, with prices reaching up to N2,000 per liter in some areas. The shortage has caused long queues at fuel stations, economic disruption, and social distress across Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kwara states. Commuters in Abuja have witnessed a hike in transportation costs, with some paying almost double the usual fare.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the scarcity to logistical challenges, claiming to have over 1.5 billion liters of petroleum products that can last for at least 30 days. However, the persistent scarcity is being blamed on speculators by the NNPCL. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has threatened to stop the supply of petrol if the federal government fails to pay the N200 billion outstanding bridging claims owed to them.

Why this matters: The fuel crisis is causing significant hardship for many Nigerians, exacerbating the already high cost of living in the country. The scarcity has led to a breakdown in transportation, affecting businesses and daily life. The situation is placing a heavy burden on the economy, which is already struggling with the highest inflation rate in 28 years.

The House of Representatives has summoned the minister to brief lawmakers on the lingering fuel scarcity and measures to end it and prevent future occurrences. The House committees on petroleum resources downstream and midstream have stated that plans are in place to avert future petrol scarcity, with the current scarcity expected to end in the next three days.

The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has confirmed the availability of petrol and is working with relevant parties to end the product delivery glitch. MEMAN has stated that its members have commenced loading over 300 million liters of premium motor spirit this week to alleviate the situation. The association is actively coordinating with its member companies and partners to ensure that the product reaches retail outlets safely and quickly.

"The scarcity is causing additional hardship for Nigerians, coming at a time when the adverse economic effects of subsidy removal and soaring inflation are yet to be addressed by the government, further deteriorating the income of the Nigerian masses," a statement from the House of Representatives noted. The government has been called upon to intervene and resolve the issue promptly to alleviate the hardship of the Nigerian people.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria faces severe petrol scarcity, with prices up to N2,000/liter.
• NNPCL blames logistical challenges, while IPMAN threatens supply halt.
• Fuel crisis causes hardship, transportation breakdown, and economic strain.
• House of Reps summons minister, expects scarcity to end in 3 days.
• MEMAN confirms petrol availability, working to resolve product delivery.