Fuel queues have reemerged in Lagos and its environs

Fuel queues have reemerged in Lagos and its environs, as tanker drivers went on a strike, leading to a low supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and creating an opportunity for black market racketeers. The price of petrol has surged to ₦1000 per liter in some parts of Lagos State, causing consumer concern.

Most filling stations affiliated with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) are closed, contributing to the scarcity. Long queues have formed at stations belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN). MEMAN stations, including Eterna, NorthWest, TotalEnergies, Mobil, Capital Oil, Enyo, Conoil, ForteOil, and MRS, are selling petrol at varied prices ranging from ₦599 to ₦615 per liter.

On the other hand, many IPMAN stations are closed due to low product supply, and those operating sell petrol for no less than ₦650 per liter. IPMAN stations around the Ikotun to Jakande Gate axis have reported a lack of products, forcing motorists to endure long queues at NNPCL or MEMAN stations.

According to the Chairman of Satellite Depot, IPMAN Lagos State, NNPCL has stopped supplying products to IPMAN members, leading them to rely on private depots. The ex-depot price is between ₦620/₦622 per liter, and after transportation costs, the landing cost reaches ₦630 or more.

In Kano, many filling stations are shut, and petrol is reportedly sold at ₦670 per liter. Abuja has also experienced long queues at NNPCL and Major Marketer's stations, with most stations closed on Wednesday morning.

The fuel scarcity is linked to the strike actions by members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers. Although the strike was initiated on Monday, it was called off on Tuesday after a meeting with the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, oil marketers, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). NARTO directed its members to resume petroleum loading activities immediately after the meeting in Abuja.