By Tobe Onyia
There is a resurgence of long queues at filling stations in some parts of Lagos, as consumers brace themselves for a potential hike in petrol prices. This surge in demand comes despite reassurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding the country’s petrol stock availability.
The NNPCL sought to allay fears, assuring Nigerians of an adequate supply of fuel in the country. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the company attributed recent distribution challenges in Lagos to a brief issue, emphasizing that the situation had been swiftly addressed.
However, contrary to these assurances, queues at filling stations across Lagos persisted into Wednesday, with motorists enduring lengthy waits, particularly along major routes such as the Apapa/Oshodi/Ibadan expressway.
Several filling stations, including those managed by the state oil company, were observed to be closed, exacerbating the situation. Reports by Channels indicate that some stations, including the Enyo filling station acquired by the NNPCL, were selling petrol at prices as high as N605 per litre, while independent marketers charged between N620 and N650.
Despite these developments, government officials have downplayed the notion of a petrol scarcity, attributing the long queues to “panic buying.” The National Vice Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, acknowledged the queues but suggested they might be fueled by consumer apprehension rather than an actual shortage.
“I am not in Lagos as we speak. But I heard about it too that there are queues in Lagos. It may just be panic buying. I am not sure there is fuel scarcity. People are just panicking. However, I will find out what the problem is,” Fashola commented.
As the situation unfolds, concerns persist among consumers, who remain vigilant amidst uncertainties surrounding petrol availability and pricing.
With reports from Channels