Fuel Shortage Sparks Queues in Lagos and Abuja

The reappearance of long queues at fuel stations in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory has been attributed to supply disruptions by fuel marketers. According to Billy Gillis-Harry, the President of Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), the issue stems from challenges in petroleum product supply, with only the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) importing petrol while local production remains insufficient. Gillis-Harry reassured the public that efforts are underway to address the problem and urged against panic, noting that recent fuel cargoes arriving at Port-Harcourt will alleviate the situation in Lagos, Calabar, and Oghara. This situation unfolded after the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) initially withdrew its services due to economic hardship, citing high operational costs and low freight rates as causes. However, following government intervention, NARTO subsequently suspended its strike after reaching an agreement with oil marketers. The developments raise concerns about the stability of fuel supply in Nigeria, as disruptions can have widespread impacts on transportation and daily life. The reassurances provided by PETROAN offer hope for a swift resolution to the fuel shortage, but ongoing attention will be necessary to ensure the situation is effectively managed.