Scarcity of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, persists nationwide, leading to a surge in black market activities with prices soaring as high as N1,200 per litre in certain areas. Daily Trust’s investigation reveals widespread closure of filling stations and lengthy queues at operational ones across the country,Daily Trust reports.
Despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) that recent supply disruptions had been addressed, the situation remains dire. Reports from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several states indicate not only scarcity but also significant price hikes, with petrol selling between N750 and N800 per litre.
In Jigawa’s capital, Dutse, numerous stations were shut down, pushing consumers towards black market vendors selling petrol for N1,100 per litre. Residents lament abandoning vehicles in favor of walking.
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Similar scenes unfolded in the FCT, with long queues forming at operational stations like NIPCO in Bwari. While some stations like AA Rano, RainOil, and Shema in Jabi maintained lower prices at N680 to N690 per litre, they faced overwhelming demand.
Lagos, too, grappled with the crisis as only a few stations were operational, leading to queues and accusations of hoarding. Dispatch riders supplied black market vendors, exacerbating the situation, with prices reaching N5,500 for five litres.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) reported depot shortages in Lagos, echoing the nationwide trend. Chairman Akinrinade Akinade noted the absence of stock and attributed the scarcity to supply disruptions rather than deliberate price manipulation.
In Kano, prices soared to N950 per litre, causing extensive queues and commuter distress. Stations like Alfatashir Filling Station and Aliko Petrol Station remained closed, further aggravating the crisis.
The scarcity also hit Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Cross River, Ekiti, and Kwara states, with consumers facing increased fares and widespread station closures. Taxi drivers in Akure raised fares by 30% due to petrol shortages, while in Plateau’s capital, Jos, petrol sold for N800 per litre.
In Cross River, community members protested against stations selling petrol at N1,200 per litre, attributing the hike to supply constraints. In Ekiti, residents resorted to trekking as petrol prices soared above N800 per litre.
Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, experienced numerous station closures, pushing prices to N760 per litre and causing transport disruptions.
The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address supply chain challenges and prevent further disruptions to essential services and economic activities.
