Fuel scarcity disrupted operations in Abuja and five additional states on Wednesday, resulting in the closure of numerous filling stations and lengthy queues forming at the limited outlets still dispensing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The scarcity left thousands of commuters stranded at bus stops across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, Gombe, Sokoto, and Anambra states, as transporters struggled to procure fuel for their vehicles, leading to a surge in transport fares.
The shortage in PMS supply to the nation's capital and surrounding states prompted the shutdown of filling stations in the affected areas. Oil marketers announced plans to convene a meeting with the retail subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to investigate the root cause of the shortage and explore solutions.
In Abuja, long queues formed at Conoil and Total filling stations near the NNPC headquarters, causing traffic congestion in the Central Business District. Similarly, several filling stations in Zuba, Niger State, including NNPC and AYM Shafa, remained closed due to the unavailability of petrol.
In Nyanya, Nasarawa State, numerous filling stations were shuttered, further exacerbating the pressure on the few stations still operational. Oil marketers acknowledged the supply shortage and assured the public that discussions with the NNPC were underway to address the issue.
Chief John Kekeocha, the National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), highlighted the ongoing investigation into the supply shortfall and expressed optimism about finding a resolution during the scheduled meeting with NNPC.
IPMAN's National President, Abubakar Maigandi, mentioned the potential alleviation of petrol scarcity once the Dangote Petroleum Refinery begins domestic distribution. However, no specific timeline was provided for the refinery's operations.
Chief Ukadike Chinedu, IPMAN's National Public Relations Officer, echoed Maigandi's sentiments and expressed hope for the imminent production of refined petroleum products by the Port Harcourt Refining Company.
