Nigerians are facing increased hardship as petrol prices soar to nearly N1,000 per liter amidst widespread fuel scarcity. The situation has led to long queues at filling stations across the country, with many stations either closed or selling fuel at exorbitant rates.
In parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and various states, petrol is being sold for as much as N1,000 per liter. This price surge has been attributed to a shortage of direct supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), according to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
The scarcity has forced numerous filling stations, particularly in the satellite towns of the FCT, to shut down. Those that remain open are experiencing long queues, as desperate motorists seek to secure fuel. At NNPCL outlets in Abuja, petrol is priced at N617 per liter, but many independent stations are charging significantly more, with some motorists spending the night in line to ensure they can fill their tanks.
In Lagos, a similar trend has been observed, with NNPCL stations offering fuel at around N568 per liter, while other outlets charge between N600 and N650 per liter. Transporters have expressed concerns that these price hikes are severely affecting their businesses.
Kano has been hit particularly hard, with motorists paying up to N950 per liter at independent marketers’ stations, while NNPCL stations sell fuel for N620 per liter. Many drivers prefer to wait in long queues at the NNPCL stations rather than pay the higher prices at other outlets.
The situation is equally dire in Maiduguri, where most NNPCL filling stations have closed, leaving motorists with no option but to buy petrol from independent marketers at inflated prices.
Akin Akinade, a former IPMAN chairman in Lagos, revealed that marketers are purchasing fuel from third parties at N840 to N850 per liter, resulting in retail prices of N900 and above. Despite the growing crisis, the NNPCL has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
As the fuel scarcity drags on, the burden on Nigerians continues to grow, with no immediate solution in sight.
