Fuel Queues in Nigeria Lengthen Amid NNPC Supply Issues

Fuel queues stretched across major Nigerian cities on Monday as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) faced challenges in supplying gasoline to local traders and depots. This operational hitch has exacerbated the fuel scarcity problem, leaving many Nigerians waiting in long lines.

President Bola Tinubu's government had opened up gasoline imports to private companies last year. However, persistent foreign currency shortages and a cap on petrol prices have left NNPC as the sole importer. The much-anticipated Dangote Refinery is yet to commence gasoline processing, adding to the supply woes.

Olufemi Soneye, an NNPC spokesperson, stated over the weekend that the fuel supply and distribution issues in parts of Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory were due to a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels. This statement came as fuel queues began forming across the country.

Retail gasoline prices have surged to over 800 naira ($0.5063) per litre, up from around 617 naira in May 2023, when the government announced the end of gasoline subsidies.

The significant price increase has contributed to the already high inflation rates in Nigeria, exacerbating the cost of living crisis for many Nigerians.