FUEL Scarcity Again! Long Queues Hit Nigerian States Again, See What Is Happening At Fuel Stations That Will Leave You Speechless
Fuel queues causing gridlock in Lagos and Ogun states have reignited concerns of an impending scarcity, with petroleum marketers attributing the shortage to a lack of supply. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited confirmed the absence of products in its Apapa depots, further exacerbating the situation. The resurgence of long queues at filling stations across both states has led to traffic congestion, particularly in areas like Alapere, Lagos, where motorists struggled to procure fuel at stations such as Oando and Total Energies.
Conoil and TotalEnergies also experienced high demand, while many other stations were unable to dispense fuel, intensifying pressure on the few operational ones. Notably, NNPC stations like the one at Fadeyi remained non-operational, contributing to the scarcity. The situation was mirrored in Ogun State, with stations along the Mowe- Ibafo route and in areas like Berger experiencing a similar lack of supply.
The scarcity’ s ripple effects were felt beyond the fuel queues, impacting transport fares as observed by traders like Mrs. Ada Herbert, who noted an increase in fares along certain routes. At the Mobil filling station along the Lagos- Badagry Expressway, motorists queued for fuel, with attendants attributing the delay in supply to a three-day hiatus.
Hampered by the Easter break, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed. Fashola, anticipated a return to normalcy post- holidays, attributing the supply disruption to minor hiccups. However, the situation persisted, contradicting earlier
assurances.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’ s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, attempted to allay fears, claiming no signs of scarcity in Lagos despite queues at NNPC stations. Soneye cited price differentials as the cause for the queues, diverging from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria’ s acknowledgment of low stock levels over the Easter weekend. Clement Isong, Executive Secretary of MEMAN, corroborated the supply challenges, citing inadequate replenishment at depots leading to retail outlet outages. He reassured the public of ongoing PMS supplies from NNPC Trading, aiming to mitigate the scarcity.
In the face of these challenges, concerns persist over the resilience of the fuel supply chain and its susceptibility to disruptions. The recurrent nature of fuel scarcity underscores systemic issues that warrant comprehensive solutions beyond short-term measures.
As stakeholders navigate the complexities of fuel distribution, there’
s a pressing need for transparency,
accountability, and proactive measures to prevent future disruptions.
Collaborative efforts between government agencies, petroleum marketers, and other relevant stakeholders are crucial in safeguarding against the socio- economic impacts of fuel scarcity and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the populace.
In conclusion, while the immediate
focus remains on addressing the
current fuel shortages, a concerted,
long-term approach is imperative to build a more resilient and sustainable fuel supply infrastructure. Only through collective action and strategic planning can Nigeria mitigate the recurrent challenges posed by fuel scarcity and promote economic stability and development.
