O il marketers have reported a resurgence of fuel queues across Nigeria due to disruptions in petroleum product supply linked to the ongoing hunger protests. The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have caused a halt in petroleum distribution as dealers shut their stations to protect their assets from potential violence.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) initially cited a “hitch in discharge operations” for the earlier queues, but the current situation has been exacerbated by the protests. Chief Chinedu Ukadike of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) explained that many tankers did not load products during the protests' initial days, disrupting the supply chain and leading to shortages.
Depot owners in Lagos refused to open due to security concerns, despite offers of support from the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). This refusal, combined with a halt in loading operations, has led to severe fuel scarcity in various states.
Prices have soared across the country, with petrol costing between N800 and N1,200 per litre in different regions. For instance, in Asaba, Delta State, prices reached N1,000/litre, while in Kaduna, black marketers are selling fuel at N1,000/litre and N4,500 per gallon.
IPMAN’s Ukadike expressed hope that the situation will improve as some trucks have resumed operations. He urged protesters to halt their demonstrations to allow the government time to address their demands.
Fuel Scarcity by State:
- **Lagos & Abuja:** Persistent queues with fluctuating prices.
- **Warri, Delta State:** Fuel sold at N850 to N1,000/litre.
- **Rivers State:** Prices between N850 and N870/litre.
- **Akwa Ibom:** Prices ranging from N870 to N890/litre.
- **Edo State:** Limited stations open, prices between N800 and N830/litre.
- **Enugu:** Prices between N780 and N890/litre, with black market prices at N1,000/litre.
- **Kaduna:** Limited stations, high prices up to N860/litre, with black market prices as high as N1,000/litre and N4,500/gallon.
- **Gombe:** Black market prices at N1,200/litre.
The fuel crisis highlights the broader impact of the protests on daily life and underscores the urgent need for resolution.
0 Comments