Fuel Scarcity Persits as Petrol Prices Surges Across Lagos and Abuja.

Despite NNPC’s claim of resolving fuel scarcity issues, the situation remains dire as petrol prices soar above N700 per liter in Lagos and Abuja, exacerbating the challenges faced by motorists and commuters alike.

Last week, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) made assurances through its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, stating that all factors contributing to fuel scarcity had been addressed, and the country was experiencing an oversupply of petrol. However, ground realities paint a starkly different picture.

In Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, fuel stations are witnessing unprecedented prices, with petrol being sold for as high as N850 to N900 per liter in various locations including Maryland, Ikeja, Agege, and Iyana Ipaja, as well as other outskirts of the city. These exorbitant prices add to the financial burden of residents already grappling with rising living costs.

Similarly, residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are facing prolonged queues at filling stations along major roads such as Abuja Airport Road, Lugbe, and Nasarawa-Abuja Road. Despite efforts by authorities to alleviate the situation, the scarcity persists, causing inconvenience and frustration among motorists.

The persistent fuel scarcity underscores systemic challenges within the country’s petroleum distribution network, ranging from supply chain disruptions to issues related to pricing and regulation. While NNPC’s assertions aimed to instill confidence, the ground reality highlights the urgency for more effective measures to address the underlying issues plaguing the fuel sector.

As Nigerians continue to endure the repercussions of fuel scarcity, calls for sustainable solutions and greater transparency in the management of the country’s petroleum resources grow louder. In the meantime, motorists and commuters remain caught in the crossfire, grappling with the daily uncertainties of accessing affordable fuel in a country rich in oil resources.