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Fuel scarcity worsens as empty tankers queue at Lagos depots awaiting petrol supply

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Nigeria’s ongoing fuel scarcity has reached a critical point, with empty tankers lining up at various depots in Lagos, awaiting the loading of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The delays in supply have further aggravated the fuel shortage, leaving many states across the country struggling with long queues at filling stations.

Reports indicate that while some trucks have begun loading, the supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) remains insufficient to meet the growing demand. The situation has led to fears that the queues at petrol stations may not ease until Friday, according to oil marketers.

In recent days, long queues of tankers have been seen stretching from Barlet bus stop towards Ijesha and onward to the Mile 2 axis, a clear indication of the severity of the fuel shortage. This latest crisis comes on the heels of recurring fuel queues that have plagued the capital city, Abuja, as well as Nasarawa, Niger, and other neighboring states.

Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, reassured the public that the firm is working diligently to resolve the supply challenges. He expressed optimism that the queues should clear by mid-week, attributing the delay to an “evacuation challenge” out of Apapa ports in Lagos.

However, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) remains cautious. Abubakar Maigandi, IPMAN’s National President, highlighted the dependence on NNPC’s supply, noting that their distribution is contingent on the availability of products from the state-owned company. He also indicated that not all depots currently have fuel, particularly in Lagos, where many tankers are still waiting to load.

Chief Ukadike Chinedu, IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, further explained that the fuel supply situation has been exacerbated by recent nationwide protests, which disrupted operations in the downstream oil sector. The scarcity is also compounded by the challenges NNPC faces as the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria, with other dealers unable to import due to difficulties in accessing U.S. dollars required for such transactions.

Despite assurances from NNPC that the fuel queues will clear by Wednesday, the situation remains dire, with no immediate end in sight.


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