More than hour-long queues to buy fuel resourced on Tuesday, April 30 across Nigerian major cities as the country struggled with its latest fuel shortage, causing more hardship for millions already struggling in an economic crisis under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Tinubu during his campaign days to become Nigeria’s president promised Nigerians what he called “renewed hope,” but ever since he assumed office with the removal of fuel subsidy on his inaugural speech, Nigerians have been going through hell trying to survive as inflation has spiked making life unbearable to millions.
The fuel shortage has led to additional increase in transportation costs in the country where many people rely on public transportation. Authorities blamed the shortage on supply disruptions due to logistical challenges. Queues leading to gas stations stretched up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) in some cities including the Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Despite being one of Africa’s top crude oil producers, gasoline shortages are commonplace in Nigeria, mostly as a result of frequent strikes and supply disruptions. As on previous occasions, the Nigeria National Petroleum Limited (NNPCL) accused fuel companies of exploiting the current situation to maximise profit.
Nigeria relies heavily on imported fuel due to underperforming refineries. The biggest refinery in Africa opened recently in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, and is expected to boost refining capacity. However, the privately owned facility still produces only diesel and aviation fuel.
The cost of fuel in many gas stations in Abuja has already jumped by more than 15% from the usual 675 Naira per liter. Prices varied in other cities around the country. The fuel crisis causes difficulties for the many businesses that run on generators because of Nigeria’s chronically erratic power supply, which has worsened in recent weeks.
In some parts of Abuja and Lagos, half the roads were filled with traffic jams of private car owners and taxi drivers, including some who had parked near gas stations overnight to buy fuel early.
Asked Farouk Ibrahim, an Abuja taxi driver from a fuel queue in Abuja’s Garki district: “I haven’t done anything today since morning because how do you want to work when there is no fuel?”
A father of two, Ibrahim said his greatest concern was finding money to return home with for the family’s next day’s meal. Added he: “No fuel, no light, even to eat is a problem”.
