Fuel Queues Worsen in Abuja, Lagos, and Other Nigerian Cities, Sparking Concerns

Fuel queues have made a concerning return to many Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna, as motorists face rising prices for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The sudden resurgence of queues has sparked fears of fuel shortages and public discontent.

Fuel Stations Closed, Prices Rising

In Abuja, several filling stations have shut their gates, citing a lack of fuel supply. Notable closures include A.A. Rano on Airport Road, Shafa at City Gate, and major retail outlets like Total, AP, and Mobil. Those that remain open, such as the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) stations, are experiencing unusually long queues. Some stations have hiked prices to as high as N750 per litre, further burdening consumers.

A motorist identified as Emma expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “Obviously, this is not panic buying. I think there’s no fuel. The government needs to save us this time around because we don’t want to experience the suffering we had some months ago.”

Similar Situation in Other Cities

The queues are not limited to the capital city. In Kano, motorists are spending hours waiting at NNPC filling stations and other locations like AA Rano and Shema, with prices ranging from N620 to N690 per litre. Similarly, in Kaduna, queues are forming at major stations such as A.A. Rano, Total, and MRS, with prices reaching N700 per litre.

In Ilorin, the price of fuel hit N700 over the weekend, causing widespread dissatisfaction among residents. Lagos has also witnessed long queues at NNPC Retail outlets selling at N560 per litre, while other major marketers are charging between N590 and N610.

Marketers Explain the Scarcity

Independent fuel marketers and depot operators have cited various reasons for the fuel scarcity. Abdulrasheed Olapade, an independent marketer, suggested that anticipated price fluctuations might be causing the queues. However, the Chairman of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Ejigbo Depot, Akinrinade Akinade, stated that low supply from depots is to blame. “Most depots that I know of in the Lagos area are not loading,” he said.

The scarcity and rising prices have led to increased public dissatisfaction, with residents and motorists calling on the government to address the fuel supply issue before it leads to more significant disruptions and hardship.