Abuja, Nigeria Long queues of vehicles have returned to major filling stations in Abuja and five other states across Nigeria as fuel scarcity bites hard.
The affected states include Lagos, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and Kogi.
Causes of the Scarcity
According to sources within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the scarcity is caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Increased demand for gasoline due to the ongoing festive season
- Disruptions in the supply chain caused by the closure of some refineries
- Hoarding of fuel by marketers in anticipation of price increases
Impact on Motorists and Commuters
Fuel scarcity has created significant challenges for motorists and commuters in the affected areas. Many people have had to wait in line for hours, if not overnight, to buy gasoline.
The situation has also led to an increase in the cost of transportation, as many commercial bus drivers have hiked their fares.
Government Response
The Nigerian government has promised to take immediate steps to address the fuel scarcity. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has assured Nigerians that adequate supplies of petrol are being distributed to filling stations across the country.
However, many Nigerians remain skeptical about the government’s ability to resolve the crisis quickly. They point to similar episodes of fuel scarcity in the past that have lingered for weeks or even months.
Expert Analysis
Fuel scarcity has become a recurring problem in Nigeria. Experts say that the country’s dependence on imported fuel is one of the major factors contributing to the problem.
They argue that Nigeria needs to invest in refining its own crude oil in order to become self-sufficient in fuel production.
Outlook
It is unclear how long the current fuel scarcity will last. The government has promised to resolve the crisis within a few days, but motorists and commuters are bracing themselves for a potentially prolonged period of hardship.
