The ongoing hunger protest that started on Thursday has resulted in a suspension of petrol loading activities at the Lagos depots, further fueling the existing scarcity.
Sources have confirmed to NewsNow that depot owners opted to keep their facilities closed over concerns of potential violence.
The fuel scarcity, which initially emerged last weekend in states like Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, and Niger, has led to a surge in petrol prices, reaching as high as N1,000 per litre.
Exploiting the situation, black marketeers have been selling petrol at exorbitant rates, reaching up to N1,300 per litre in certain areas.
Our sources have revealed that the depots were facing shortages by Sunday due to the delayed discharge of fuel from vessels.
Although on Wednesday, there was an influx of fuel vessels arriving for unloading one after another at the ports.
Operators have informed us that more vessels need to dock at the ports before the weekend to ensure a smooth flow of premium motor spirit throughout the country.
However, the protest that began on Thursday prompted depot owners to withhold loading activities due to security apprehensions.
An industry insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers were willing to assist in loading fuel at the depots, but the owners were reluctant to take any risks.
“There was no operational activity at the Lagos depots on Thursday and Friday due to two main reasons. Firstly, we are still grappling with a shortage of the product, and secondly, security concerns on the roads post-loading as a result of the protest’s challenges.
“NUPENG is prepared to aid the depots in loading, yet security remains a hindrance. Hopefully, if the situation ameliorates later today, loading operations may resume by tomorrow,” the source explained.
Earlier, tanker drivers had expressed their commitment to continue loading fuel even during the ongoing protest.
Yusuf Othman, the President of the National Association of Transport Owners, in an interview, instructed members to continue fuel upliftment while exercising caution.
“NARTO will not be participating in this protest; we do not endorse it and will not disrupt our operations.
“We have advised our members to carry on with their duties. No one should halt their trucking operations as any decline in business will exacerbate scarcity, which we aim to avoid.
“Everyone is apprehensive, yet this is the time to ensure seamless service delivery to facilitate the circulation of fuel nationwide. Our message to our members is to stay diligent,” stated Othman.
He mentioned his unawareness of any members abstaining from work, saying, “I have no knowledge of that. How did you manage to speak to some of them? I am currently operational. I have 10 trucks being loaded. If I am working, others will follow suit, as there are no issues hindering the continuous distribution of fuel. We are problem-free. This phase will pass, but our commitment to our business remains strong.”