The scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, is causing distress in Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, and various states in the North and across Nigeria.
This shortage, as noted by oil marketers on Friday, may persist until Monday or Tuesday due to inadequate PMS supply to the region.
Fuel queues have reappeared, leaving motorists puzzled. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited cited supply issues for the queues, urging patience from customers. Consequently, there’s been a significant hike in petrol prices in several regions.
In Lagos, PMS prices soared above N700 per litre, shocking residents. Tomisin Bakare shared his dismay with PUNCH stating, “This is after I had already spent over 50 minutes on the queue.”
Similar situations unfolded in Imo and Anambra states, with prices reaching as high as N800 per litre. In Kaduna, stations faced scarcity, with prices inflated up to N1300 per litre by black marketers.
The scarcity has led to transportation challenges, with increased fares burdening commuters. Danjuma Mugu, a resident, lamented the fare hike, emphasizing the impact on his daily commute.
In Abuja, motorists faced lengthy queues at fuel stations, causing frustration and delays. Despite efforts to ease the situation, queues persisted, and prices at NNPC stations reached N617 per litre.
The root cause of the scarcity lies in supply shortages, particularly affecting regions close to the Federal Capital Territory. John Kekeocha of IPMAN highlighted the logistical challenges, noting ongoing efforts to address the issue.
NNPC assured the public of adequate petrol supply, attributing the scarcity to resolved logistical issues. However, panic buying persists, exacerbating the situation.