Motorists in various states in Nigeria found themselves in long queues at petrol stations on Monday as they grappled with a scarcity of fuel, exacerbating the challenges faced by commuters and residents alike.
Commuters heading to various destinations were severely affected, with fewer buses on the roads and some operators hiking fares due to the fuel shortage. The situation led to some students and their parents resorting to trekking to their destinations after being unable to secure transportation on time.
Mr. Kingsley Udeh, a businessman, recounted his frustration, stating that he had to trek a long distance to reach his shop due to the unavailability of public transportation. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the fuel situation to alleviate the prevailing hardships.
Mrs. Shade Agboola, a trader, echoed similar sentiments, describing her morning commute as hectic and costly. She highlighted the challenges faced in securing transportation for her children’s school commute and her journey to Lagos Island, noting significant fare hikes.
Concerns over the impact of the fuel scarcity on citizens’ well-being were further emphasized by Mrs. Maureen Uzochukwu, who urged government intervention to alleviate the suffering experienced by the populace. She emphasized the need for urgent action to address rising costs and inflation.
Residents like Mr. Francis Obiechina expressed dismay over the increased financial burden imposed by the scarcity, with transport fares rising significantly. Obiechina lamented the additional expenses incurred and the impact on his daily budget, highlighting the adverse effects on livelihoods.
Despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) regarding the resolution of logistical issues causing the scarcity, fuel queues persisted across the city. The assurances were reiterated by Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., who urged Nigerians to refrain from panic buying.
Meanwhile, similar challenges were reported in Jos, where motorists faced prolonged struggles to access fuel, leading to increased traffic congestion and reliance on alternative sources such as black market vendors.
In response to the fuel crisis, the Osun State Government deployed a task force to monitor petroleum prices and discourage hoarding by filling stations. The task force warned against price inflation and product hoarding, emphasizing the need for compliance to alleviate the fuel supply situation in the state.
Similarly, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Osun cautioned petroleum marketers against hoarding and urged residents to refrain from panic buying. The agency pledged to enforce regulatory measures to ensure compliance and safeguard public interest.
In light of the ongoing fuel scarcity, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) issued a stern warning, threatening mass action if the Federal Government fails to address the crisis promptly. The students’ body called for decisive actions to resolve the fuel shortage and restore stability, citing the dire consequences faced by citizens, including students.
As the fuel scarcity persists, concerns continue to mount over its impact on daily life and economic activities across the affected regions, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the underlying challenges and ensure adequate fuel supply for Nigerians.
