Fuel queues have reappeared in various areas of Lagos due to a lack of petroleum products in Nigeria’s commercial centre. In certain parts of the state, drivers were seen waiting in lines that stretched onto the streets, leading to traffic jams around gas stations.
The price of a litre of fuel has now risen to between N800 and N1,000 in some fuel stations, resulting in higher transportation costs.
While some fuel stations are not selling fuel, opportunistic black-market sellers have taken advantage of this to conduct profitable businesses.
This issue is not confined to Lagos, as several other states have also been experiencing prolonged fuel shortages.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has taken action to address the fuel scarcity by issuing a warning to fuel stations engaged in hoarding fuel, stating that their licenses could be revoked.
The agency emphasised its commitment to combatting the illegal sale of petroleum products, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in jerrycans. Filling stations have been urged to stop serving illegal fuel vendors, with the consequence of facing suspension of their retail licenses if they fail to comply.
Last month, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attributed the petroleum shortage to issues with the discharge operations of several vessels and other operational issues.
Meanwhile, to address the traffic chaos from the long fuel queues, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it is dispatching its officers to oversee traffic conditions in the vicinity of filling stations.