Fuel Crisis: Filling Stations Shut, Queues Persist as Depots Ration Supplies

Fuel scarcity has intensified across several Nigerian states as filling stations shut down due to limited supplies. Queues for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, have stretched long, with depots rationing the volumes released to marketers.

In Abuja, Niger, and Nasarawa states, many filling stations remained closed on Monday. The few that operated, such as NNPC and Conoil along the Kubwa-Zuba expressway in Abuja, witnessed extensive queues. Meanwhile, outlets like Salbas, Gegu Oil, and Eterna had no fuel and were shut.

In Niger State, NNPC retail outlets between Zuba and Madalla were closed. Other stations on the Zuba-Madalla axis, including A.A Rano, B.A Bello, Total, A.Y Maikifi, Major Oil, and Enyo, also remained shut, forcing drivers to crowd the sole operating Mobil station in Madalla.

In Lagos and Ogun states, only major marketers’ stations dispensed fuel amid long queues. Independent marketers’ outlets were mostly closed due to supply issues. The NNPC outlet in Iyana-Woro, typically selling below N600/litre, now sells at N617/litre, similar to Abuja. Stations like Heyden, MRS, Conoil, TotalEnergies, and Mobil charged between N617 and N650 per litre.

Drivers unwilling to endure the long waits turned to independent marketers, who sold petrol at prices ranging from N700 to N900 per litre, causing transport fares to spike.

A depot operator, speaking anonymously, confirmed that depots had started rationing their limited supplies. “Depots are loading, but at a snail’s pace due to a paucity of products,” he said. Another source predicted the scarcity might persist for a week and warned that an upcoming protest could exacerbate the situation.

The Punch reports that many petrol depots were dry by Sunday, leading to widespread fuel scarcity and long queues in Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and other states. Black marketers have exploited the crisis, selling fuel for N1,300 to N1,500 per litre.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) attributed the fuel supply tightness to disruptions in the discharge operations of several vessels. “NNPC Ltd is working round the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy in operations,” stated Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer.

Despite these assurances, the situation has worsened, with reports of nationwide extensive queues at filling stations across major cities.