Fuel prices across Nigeria have surged sharply as the country grapples with a severe petrol shortage with Lagos and Kano facing some of the worst impacts while Abuja has seen a temporary easing in the crisis.
In Lagos, the commercial capital, petrol prices have surged to between ₦700 and ₦720 per litre at most filling stations.
The scarcity has driven motorists to long queues, often stretching for miles as they scramble to secure fuel. The situation has caused widespread frustration, with many Lagosians facing significant disruptions to their daily routines.
At some stations, the situation has worsened, with long lines forming at the few places still selling fuel, such as AP and Mobil filling stations. However, many others remain completely out of stock, exacerbating the crisis.
Kano, in northern Nigeria, is also reeling from the fuel shortage. The city has witnessed petrol prices skyrocket to between ₦1,000 and ₦1,100 per litre at black market stalls, while legal filling stations have been largely dry.
The scarcity has forced many residents to rely on black market vendors, adding to the already high cost of living. Motorists in Kano are experiencing severe inconvenience, with some resorting to walking long distances due to the unavailability of fuel.
The situation has led to increased anger and frustration among residents, who accuse authorities of failing to address the crisis effectively.
In contrast, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has seen a slight improvement in fuel availability.
The long queues that have plagued the city for over a month appear to be diminishing. Stations such as Conoil and Total have reported shorter lines, although prices remain high, ranging from ₦700 to ₦950 per litre.
The NNPC mega stations in Zone 1 and near the GSM village have also started to see reduced queues, with prices at ₦617 per litre for subsidized fuel.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the shortages to distribution challenges.
However, the specifics of these challenges remain unclear, leading to widespread speculation and dissatisfaction among the public.
NNPCL’s Vice President (Downstream), Dapo Segun, has apologized for the disruptions, blaming weather conditions and other external factors for the delays.
In Lagos, the situation is further exacerbated by ongoing concerns over the government’s handling of fuel distribution.
Despite assurances from the NNPC, many filling stations remain closed, and the few that are operational are overwhelmed with customers.
This has led to heightened tensions among Lagos residents, who are frustrated by the lack of improvement in fuel availability and the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.
The situation is equally dire in Kano, where the scarcity has led to significant economic impacts. Many businesses are struggling to operate due to the high cost and limited availability of fuel.
Residents and business owners alike are calling for urgent intervention from the government to address the supply issues and stabilize prices.
Amid these challenges, the government is facing increasing pressure to resolve the fuel crisis. Analysts and experts are urging the authorities to improve supply chains, address distribution bottlenecks, and ensure that fuel prices are regulated to prevent further hardship for Nigerians.