Fuel queues have reappeared in various parts of Lagos due to a shortage of petroleum products in Nigeria’s commercial hub. In some areas, motorists were seen lining up in queues that extended into the streets, leading to traffic congestion around filling stations.
The price of a litre of fuel has surged to between N800 and N1,000 at some stations, causing transportation costs to rise. Many filling stations have stopped selling fuel altogether, while black market dealers have seized the opportunity to conduct brisk business.
This fuel scarcity isn't confined to Lagos; several states in northern Nigeria are also facing persistent shortages. In response, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has threatened to revoke the licenses of filling stations hoarding fuel.
In a tweet, the agency stated, “NMDPRA embarks on a war against the illegal sale of petroleum products, especially PMS in jerrycans. Filling stations are advised to desist from servicing illegal peddlers; failure to do so would result in the suspension of retail licenses.”
Last month, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attributed the scarcity to disruptions in the discharge operations of several vessels. NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye explained that the tight fuel supply and distribution in parts of Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were due to these operational issues. He also mentioned that the situation was exacerbated by flooding along truck routes, which hindered the movement of PMS from coastal areas to Abuja. Despite these challenges, he assured Nigerians that the NNPCL is actively working to resolve the situation.
