Despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that logistical issues causing fuel scarcity had been resolved, Nigerians in Lagos and other regions continued to face challenges obtaining Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as numerous filling stations remained closed over the weekend.
The situation in Lagos and parts of the South-West, including Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states, is expected to worsen due to a directive from the NNPCL prioritizing fuel truck deliveries to the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) before other areas.
Reports indicate that since Friday, the majority of fuel trucks leaving Lagos depots have been directed towards Abuja, leading to concerns about prolonged queues in the South-West.
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Officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that the NNPCL has implemented fuel rationing, halving fuel allocations to depots amid erratic supply. This reduction is attributed to a shortage of imported fuel, with disruptions affecting supply chains.
The scarcity has prompted motorists to face inflated prices and long queues at filling stations, exacerbating the situation across affected states.
Meanwhile, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Hammed Fashola, expressed hope that queues in Lagos and Ogun would ease by midweek, relying on assurances from the NNPCL.
Responding to claims of fuel prioritization to Abuja, the NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, refuted the allegations, emphasizing that product availability remains stable and distribution efforts are ongoing.
However, despite reassurances, fuel scarcity continues to impact daily life, with commuters experiencing increased transport fares and disruptions to daily routines.
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