Fuel Shortage: Long Queues Linger in Lagos as Marketers Close Stations

 Lagos Faces Long Queues as Independent Marketers Shut Stations

Long queues stretched across Lagos and its surrounding areas yesterday as many independent oil marketers closed their stations due to a lack of petrol, leaving motorists and other customers stranded.

While NNPC Ltd and major oil marketers maintained relatively low prices of N580 per litre, independent marketers charged between N850 and N970 per litre, depending on location. This disparity has led to a significant increase in transport fares, with journeys from Ikorodu to Lekki now costing around N5,000, up from the previous N3,000.

Further investigation revealed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) was absent from the stations, leading to consumer extortion. The NMDPRA is responsible for regulating and monitoring midstream and downstream operations, setting tariffs, and ensuring compliance with licensing terms.

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In response to the crisis, NNPC’s Vice President (Downstream), Dapo Segun, blamed the shortage on recent rains, lightning, and thunderstorms, which have disrupted fuel transport and exacerbated the problem due to poor road conditions. He apologized for the inconvenience, stating that these challenges are largely beyond their control.

Meanwhile, Engr. Festus Osifo, President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), attributed the country’s economic difficulties to government policies, particularly the devaluation of the naira. Speaking at the PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja, Osifo highlighted that Nigeria’s failure to meet its energy needs and guarantee availability puts it at risk of becoming a failed state.

Osifo criticized recent government policies, including the floating of the naira, which has led to a dramatic increase in the cost of petroleum products and other imported goods. He emphasized the need for effective policy changes to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and drive economic growth.