The ongoing petrol shortage crisis in Nigeria’s main business hub is causing distress for families and companies, now in its third week. Frequent lines at gas stations have become a common occurrence, leaving numerous drivers frustrated after wasting hours in line only to find out there is no fuel available. Businesses dependent on petrol for transportation and logistics are feeling the effects of the scarcity. Delivery services, taxi firms, and private transport operators are all witnessing a decrease in operations.
A local delivery company spokesperson mentioned that there has been a notable decrease in deliveries due to the petrol shortage. They have been forced to modify their routes and schedules in order to optimize the limited fuel available, resulting in delays and customer dissatisfaction. Jordan Abeti, a taxi driver wiping his forehead, expressed frustration after spending two hours at a station. He complained about the consistent long queues, wondering how he could earn a living under such circumstances. Many drivers are experiencing hardships due to long daily commutes and struggles to refuel for personal tasks.
Hawking petrol in compounds in Lagos has proven to be profitable.
Also, the increasing frustration is evident, with incidents of escalating anger among drivers at gas stations as they compete for space. It’s become a daily struggle, expressed Tunde Ayeni, a resident of Lagos. Every morning is wasted searching for petrol, disrupting my work and life in general. Hawking petrol in various compounds in Lagos, including Ejigbo, Orile, Amuwo Odofin, lyana-Ipaja, FESTAC, Yaba, and Surulere, has proven to be a profitable venture, according to research. In neighbouring countries like Benin Republic and Togo, smuggled fuel from Nigeria is often sold by street vendors openly displaying the product for potential customers, mirroring the familiar scenario in Nigeria.
During an interview on Ijegun Road, Kevin Eze, a car owner, mentioned that he found it easier to find petrol on the streets of Lagos than at traditional filling stations. He explained that he preferred to avoid the long lines at the gas station and risking missing important appointments by paying a higher price for fuel on the Black Market so he could still keep up with his commitments. He chuckled and remarked, It seems like every compound has its own fuel dump now, yet the lines at gas stations continue to grow longer.
NNPC has a stock of over 1.5 billion litres of PMS.
Commercial bus driver, Ade Taiwo, revealed that many of his colleagues prefer purchasing fuel from the black market instead of waiting in long lines at gas stations. Regrettably, purchasing from the streets at double the cost of gas stations does not result in any profit for them. The lack of paying passengers makes fare hikes unsustainable. Opting to walk multiple kilometres rather than fork out more money for transportation is their preferred choice. NNPC Limited urged drivers to avoid rushing to purchase petrol amid the current fuel shortage, marking the second instance in two weeks that such a warning has been issued.
Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of the company, announced through X that the NNPC has seen positive developments in the supply and distribution of petrol across the country. The government-owned oil corporation observed that the lines at gas stations in various states, such as Lagos and the FCT, have decreased, indicating a positive trend that is expected to continue in all other states. Currently, the Company has a stock of over 1.5 billion litres of PMS, providing more than 30 days of supply.
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Additionally, NNPC Ltd. is working together with important agencies in the downstream sector, including the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). On April 25, the NNPC reassured Nigerians that there is no need for panic buying as there are enough products in the country. The state-owned oil company has confirmed that the current shortage of PMS in certain regions is due to logistical problems, but these issues have now been fixed. NNPC reaffirmed in a previous statement that there will be no changes in the prices of petroleum products.