As Nigeria braces for a potential nationwide protest against the rising cost of living, the country faces a worsening petrol scarcity that is heightening public frustration. Long queues at fuel stations, soaring prices, and widespread discontent characterize the lead-up to the planned demonstrations. The shortage has led to panic buying, particularly in states like Lagos, Ogun, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where dry pumps and long wait times are now common.
Many Nigerians, including public transportation users, are struggling with the impact of the fuel crisis. With petrol prices at the pump ranging from N568 to N800 per litre, the situation has worsened as black market rates have surged to between N1,300 and N1,600 per litre. Some fuel attendants are reportedly exploiting the crisis by demanding bribes to fill up vehicles, with prices reaching as high as N2,000 for service.
Adewale Bakare, an Uber driver, shared his plight, stating, “I’ve been here since 10 a.m., and it’s now 3 p.m. No fuel means no work, no money to feed my family.” This sentiment is echoed by others who are facing the same struggle, such as Chinedu Eze, a private driver, who had to pay extra just to secure 20 litres of fuel for his employer.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) attributes the scarcity to supply challenges, with Deputy National President Zarma Mustapha confirming a lack of product availability for IPMAN members. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has also cited issues with the discharge operations of several vessels as a contributing factor to the distribution challenges.
Despite reassurances from the NNPC that efforts are underway to resolve the crisis, the situation remains dire. In Abuja, for example, long queues at petrol stations have clogged entire roads, and black market prices have soared to as high as N12,000 per litre. Residents and commuters, like taxi driver Tobi and lab scientist Blessing Okafor, express their anxiety over the escalating situation and hope for a swift resolution.
As the country grapples with these fuel shortages, there is an increased sense of urgency for the government to address the root causes and restore normalcy, especially with the looming nationwide protest adding to the tension. The protest is seen as a response to not only the current fuel scarcity but also broader issues like inflation, food scarcity, and the general economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
