The ongoing fuel scarcity is causing distress for motorists and commuters, resulting in lengthy queues and increased transportation costs in Lagos and other regions of the country.
There have been persistent gridlocks around fuel stations in Lagos as drivers wait for hours to refuel their vehicles due to a limited supply of petrol at the few stations operating.
According to PUNCH Metro, queues have continued to grow at various petrol stations in Lagos since Friday without showing signs of easing.
Reports indicate that on Monday, some petrol stations selling PMS priced it between N618/litre and N800/litre, leading to an uptick in transportation expenses.
A bus driver, known as Mr. Adeniyi, expressed his frustrations while speaking to a reporter at Ogba Bus Stop, Ikeja, citing the challenges of obtaining fuel and justifying the fare hike from N300 to N400 for the Ogba to Ikeja Underbridge route.
He emphasized, “The rise in transport costs is beyond our control. We spend nights at petrol stations just to purchase fuel for our operations. The economic conditions are tough, and people need to realize that it’s not our fault.”
A commuter, Miss Anne Ono, voiced her dissatisfaction over the fare increases, stating how tiresome and unpredictable it has become to commute daily.
A minibus driver operating the Ketu to Ikeja route in Lagos lamented the surge in fuel prices, affecting his profitability.
He shared, “The situation is significantly impacting us. Returning to the previous fuel prices would improve things. Previously, I could fill my tank with N3,000 for the trip, but now it costs N40,000. The increased expenses negate any earnings made, making it challenging for us.”
Observations by reporters revealed prolonged queues at several filling stations in Lagos, with drivers waiting for extensive periods to fuel up.
One driver, Mr. Emeka, highlighted the stress and challenges of waiting in line, mentioning the option of purchasing fuel at inflated rates from the black market due to the scarcity.
He expressed, “It’s tough; we’ve been here since 11:00 am. Unless you opt for the black market at exorbitant prices, you must endure the queues. It’s incredibly stressful.”
Another motorist echoed the sentiment, explaining how impatient drivers resort to buying costly black-market fuel, leading to financial strains and operational difficulties.
The situation worsened as black marketers exploited the scarcity, pricing petrol as high as N1,300 and N1,500 per liter in parts of Lagos and Ogun states.
Regarding the scarcity, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited attributed the fuel supply and distribution challenges to operational disruptions in vessel discharge processes.
In response, the NNPC emphasized its commitment to collaboratively resolve the issues with stakeholders and restore normal fuel operations, aiming to alleviate the current constraints.