In a troubling development that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s commercial hub, fuel queues have once again become a common sight across Lagos.
The resurgence of scarcity has brought with it significant disruption, as motorists jostle for access to petrol, with lines stretching far into the streets and causing severe traffic gridlocks around filling stations.
FirstNews’ observations reveal a stark reality: a litre of petrol now sells for between N900 and N1,000 at some stations, a steep increase that has consequently driven up transportation costs across the city.
This surge in prices, coupled with the frustration of long waits, has led many to question the stability of the fuel supply chain in Lagos.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that some filling stations have ceased operations entirely, leaving black marketers to thrive. These opportunists have capitalized on the scarcity, selling fuel at exorbitant prices, further burdening the public.
Unfortunately, Lagos is not alone in facing this crisis; states in the northern region have also been grappling with persistent shortages.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Federal Government has taken a hard stance. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has threatened to revoke the licenses of filling stations found to be hoarding fuel.
The agency issued a stern warning via its official Twitter handle, stating, “NMDPRA embarks on a war against the illegal sale of petroleum products, especially PMS in jerrycans. Filling stations are advised to desist from servicing illegal peddlers; failure to do so would result in the suspension of retail licenses.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the scarcity to a hitch in the discharge operations of several vessels. NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye addressed the issue, explaining, “The tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.”
He further assured Nigerians that the company is working to resolve the situation, noting that flooding of key truck routes has also hindered the movement of petroleum products from coastal areas to Abuja.
As the fuel crisis deepens, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been forced to intervene.
In a bid to ease the congestion caused by the fuel queues, LASTMA has deployed officers to monitor traffic around filling stations.
Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, quoted LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who warned motorists against obstructing traffic.
“We want our roads to be free-flowing; fuel queues should not become a burden for other road users in Lagos,” Bakare-Oki emphasized.
As Lagosians grapple with the effects of this fuel scarcity, the hope is that swift action from both government agencies and the NNPCL will restore normalcy to the city’s streets and its economy.
For now, the fuel queues serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector.