Nigeria’s lingering fuel crisis took a fresh twist this week as petrol prices soared to ₦955 per litre in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, leaving commuters stranded and businesses struggling to survive. According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the price hike is linked to severe supply and logistics challenges that have disrupted fuel distribution across the country.
The development comes barely a year after the federal government announced the removal of fuel subsidies, a reform that was expected to stabilize the downstream oil sector and attract investment. Instead, Nigerians are now facing one of the steepest increases in fuel prices in years, triggering renewed anger and frustration over the cost of living.
Queues Return as Scarcity Bites Hard
Across Abuja, long queues have resurfaced at filling stations, with motorists spending hours in line to get fuel. Some stations owned by major marketers sell at the official price of ₦910–₦955 per litre, while independent marketers sell above ₦1,000 depending on supply.
In Lagos, the situation is slightly better, but the impact on transportation is already visible. Commercial drivers have hiked fares by as much as 50%, forcing many workers to trek or look for cheaper alternatives.
Residents in parts of Kano, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt also report erratic supply, with some depots shutting down due to lack of stock. On the black market, petrol now sells between ₦1,100 and ₦1,200 per litre, depending on the location.
Marketers Blame Logistics, High Diesel Costs
Oil marketers and tanker drivers attribute the rising prices to worsening logistics conditions. The cost of diesel, which powers most fuel trucks, has also climbed significantly, affecting transportation of petrol from coastal depots to inland cities.
Many truck owners complain that bad roads, port congestion, and poor depot management have slowed deliveries. Some also accuse the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of “delayed vessel clearance” and lack of transparency in supply allocation.
Despite public outcry, the NNPCL and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have yet to issue a detailed explanation for the ongoing crisis.
Citizens React with Anger and Despair
Social media platforms are flooded with complaints and videos showing long queues at filling stations. Many Nigerians are venting their anger at the government for failing to ensure a stable supply of fuel even after removing subsidies.
A commercial driver in Abuja told reporters:
“They said subsidy removal would bring stability, but we are suffering more now. Every week, prices are going up, and passengers cannot pay enough to cover fuel costs.”
Civil society organizations have also condemned the situation, saying the government’s economic reforms are hurting low-income earners the most. They argue that deregulation without local refining capacity only exposes Nigerians to global market shocks.
Economic Impact: Cost of Living Soars
The fuel crisis is adding to Nigeria’s growing inflation woes. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported that food inflation stands above 29%, while general inflation is at 18.02%, the highest in three years.
Economists warn that the sharp rise in petrol prices will further push up food and transport costs, eroding household income and deepening poverty. The World Bank’s latest report predicts that 141 million Nigerians could live below the poverty line by 2026 if urgent measures are not taken.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — which depend on fuel for generators — are also feeling the heat. Many shop owners now reduce their operating hours to save on generator costs, while others have shut down completely.
Tinubu’s Reform Agenda Faces New Scrutiny
The price surge poses another major test for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has been pushing a tough economic reform agenda. Tinubu’s government has repeatedly defended the removal of fuel subsidy as a necessary step to save funds and attract investors into the energy sector.
However, analysts say the continued instability in the fuel market risks undermining public trust in those reforms. Without functioning local refineries or reliable import channels, Nigeria remains vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations and foreign exchange shortages.
The government has promised that the Dangote Refinery — Africa’s largest — will soon begin full-scale operations to supply the domestic market. But until that happens, many Nigerians are skeptical that relief will come anytime soon.
M0What Lies Ahead
Industry experts urge the government to:
- Fix local refineries to reduce dependence on imports.
- Improve road infrastructure to ease transportation bottlenecks.
- Enforce transparency in product allocation and pricing.
- Engage with unions and consumer groups to cushion the effects on ordinary Nigerians.
For now, the rising fuel price is yet another reminder of the tough realities Nigerians face daily. While the government insists its economic reforms will yield long-term benefits, millions of citizens are asking: “When will the suffering end?”
Conclusion
As petrol sells for almost ₦1,000 per litre, Nigerians continue to endure a wave of economic hardship. Transport fares, food costs, and electricity bills are climbing rapidly, pushing many households to the edge.
The current situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions — not just policies on paper. Until Nigeria can refine its own crude oil and stabilize fuel supply, citizens may continue to pay the price for years of neglect and mismanagement in the oil sector.
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