Oil marketers have revealed that the recent surge in queues at filling stations across Nigeria is due to a halt in fuel supply. This interruption is a precautionary measure by dealers to safeguard their assets amid ongoing hunger protests. These protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have exacerbated the existing fuel supply issues and led to a significant reappearance of long queues.
Previously, fuel shortages were attributed to operational hitches at discharge vessels, but the protests have intensified the problem. Chief Chinedu Ukadike, National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), stated that many tankers did not load fuel during the first two days of the protests. Consequently, this disruption in the supply chain has resulted in shortages in various states.
Reports indicate that Lagos depots halted petrol loading due to fears of violence, further contributing to the scarcity. Despite the readiness of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to support loading efforts, depot owners opted not to open due to security concerns. As the situation stabilizes, fuel trucks have resumed partial operations, but the scarcity will continue until the protests subside. IPMAN’s Ukadike has called on protesters to cease their demonstrations to facilitate a return to normal fuel distribution.
Fuel shortages and price hikes have been reported in several states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Delta. Prices have soared, with petrol costing between N800 and N1,200 per litre depending on the location. In some areas, filling stations are either closed or operating with limited stock, while black marketers exploit the situation by selling at inflated prices. The fuel supply crisis reflects the broader impact of the ongoing protests on the nation’s infrastructure and economy.