Fuel shortages hit Abuja, Ogun, and other states, leading to the resurgence of long queues at filling stations. Understand the causes and implications of this fuel crisis.
Due to the impending nationwide protest, several regions including Abuja and Ogun are experiencing fuel shortages as filling stations shut down.
There were fuel queues in Abuja and nearby states such as Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi on Friday due to the suspension of operations at numerous filling stations.
Closed outlets on the Kubwa-Zuba expressway comprised those operated by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) along with private retailers like Salbas Oil, Eterna, and Gegu Oil.
The disturbance spread to central Abuja and affected various areas of Niger and Nasarawa states. In addition, fuel dispensing operation was also halted in filling stations within Lokoja- the capital city of Kogi State.
Long lines were observed at operational outlets such as AYM Shafa in Dei-Dei, Abuja and the NNPC station in Zuba due to the situation. In addition, concerns about potential fuel scarcity arose when multiple stations closed down on Friday in Lagos.
During a tour of different gas stations, it was observed that the majority were not providing fuel. Meanwhile, those few which did have fuel sold at an exorbitant rate of N800 per litre.
The reason behind these closures as shared by oil marketers can be attributed to both scarcity of fuel and concerns regarding the upcoming protest.
Read Also: Fuel subsidy costs Nigeria over N700bn per month – Marketers
Ogun experiences lengthy lines.
The situation in Ogun State was grave as drivers endured long queues for fuel. At the Magboro Quest Filling Station, a line over 100 meters snaked through the area.
Saheed, who drives a commercial bus, expressed his irritation after waiting for more than an hour but failing to appease his disgruntled passengers.
At NIPCO Filling Station in Magboro, comparable scenarios were witnessed as diesel was retailed at a rate of N1,200 per litre and petrol traded at N675 per litre.
Approximately four out of five fuel dispensers operated actively resulting in considerable wait times.
Minister urges for peacefulness.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has called on Nigerians to maintain calm and stay away from the planned protest following recent developments.
While noting that some fuel stations were closed due to a shortage of products, he also acknowledged that concerns over the intended demonstration played a role in station closures.
Lokpobiri stressed the government’s dedication to rejuvenating the economy with President Bola Tinubu at the forefront, urging for solidarity and endurance. He cautioned against individuals who may take advantage of demonstrations for deceitful intentions and highlighted constructive communication as crucial.
The minister expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to tackling the country’s issues, urging citizens to unite and work together towards a thriving future.
