A deepening fuel scarcity is disrupting economic activity across Nigeria’s Delta State, with supply shortages triggering significant price hikes and long queues at filling stations. The situation, first observed in urban centers including Asaba, Agbor, and Umunede on Monday, escalated sharply on Tuesday as independent petroleum marketers substantially increased pump prices.
Long queues of vehicles formed at numerous outlets in Asaba and surrounding areas after many stations closed their gates, while those remaining operational adjusted prices to between N1,200 and N1,400 per litre. This marks a steep rise from weekend rates of N1,050 to N1,100 per litre at some locations. Major brands like Rain Oil were reported selling at N1,250 to N1,300 per litre at its stations along Okpanam Road, the Expressway, and in Ogwashi-Uku and the state capital territory. Reports from Agbor indicated similar price points, with some stations, including North West in Asaba, selling at N1,250 per litre by late afternoon Tuesday.
The scarcity has immediately impacted transportation, with intra-state transport fares rising as operators pass on higher fuel costs. There is widespread apprehension among commuters and businesses that fares could climb further without regulatory intervention, as petrol now sells between N1,250 and N1,300 per litre across the state.
An official from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Delta State branch, who spoke anonymously, argued that marketers should not be held responsible for the price surge. The official attributed the cost increase to broader market dynamics, specifically citing constraints linked to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the practice of purchasing from privately owned depot agents. According to the official, members are compelled to sell between N1,200 and N1,400 per litre to cover procurement costs. The association has appealed to the federal government to take urgent action to ensure marketers can access fuel at the officially approved pump price, suggesting that supply chain interventions could alleviate the current crisis.
The Delta State fuel scarcity underscores the persistent volatility in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. With prices soaring and supplies erratic, the burden on consumers and the transport industry is intensifying. Resolving the supply deficit and stabilizing pump prices now hinges on coordinated efforts between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to address the reported logistical and procurement challenges cited by marketers.
