Fuel scarcity has once again resurfaced in several parts of Nigeria, leaving motorists stranded and forcing many to spend long, exhausting hours at filling stations in search of petrol.
From major cities to smaller towns, queues have returned to fuel stations, reviving a familiar national challenge that many Nigerians had hoped was easing following recent reforms in the petroleum sector.
Across states such as Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, and parts of the North, long lines of vehicles can be seen stretching far beyond fuel station premises. In some areas, motorists reportedly arrive as early as 4 a.m. to secure a spot in line, while others sleep in their cars overnight in the hope of buying fuel the next morning. Despite these efforts, many still return home empty handed.
Commuters have been among the hardest hit. Public transport fares have increased sharply as commercial drivers struggle to source fuel, passing the added cost on to passengers. In major urban centres, workers and students report spending significantly more on transportation, while some are forced to trek long distances or delay daily activities due to the scarcity. For low-income earners, the situation has further deepened the strain on already stretched household budgets.
Fuel station operators have offered varying explanations for the renewed scarcity. Some cite irregular fuel supply and delays in product distribution, while others point to logistical challenges and high operating costs. There are also reports of stations receiving limited volumes of petrol, which sell out within hours of arrival. This has encouraged panic buying, with motorists rushing to fill their tanks and jerry cans whenever supply becomes available, further worsening the situation.
Independent marketers, in particular, have expressed concerns over rising costs associated with fuel procurement and transportation. With fluctuating exchange rates and increased operational expenses, many marketers claim they are unable to sell fuel at prices that cover their costs without incurring losses. As a result, some stations have reduced operations, while others sell at higher prices, sparking public frustration and accusations of profiteering.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has acknowledged the situation, assuring Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to stabilise fuel supply nationwide.
According to the company, additional fuel cargoes are being mobilised, and distribution is being closely monitored to address shortages in affected areas. NNPCL has also urged motorists to avoid panic buying, stressing that such behaviour contributes to artificial scarcity and unnecessary pressure on the supply chain.
Despite these assurances, many Nigerians remain sceptical, citing past experiences where similar promises failed to bring lasting relief. Fuel scarcity has become a recurring issue in the country, often linked to policy changes, subsidy adjustments, refinery challenges, and distribution inefficiencies. Each resurgence tends to trigger economic ripple effects, affecting transportation, food prices, and small businesses that rely heavily on petrol-powered generators.
Small and medium scale enterprises are already feeling the impact. Business owners who depend on generators to cope with unstable power supply report increased operating costs, which they are forced to transfer to consumers through higher prices. Bakeries, cold room operators, welders, and artisans have all complained that the scarcity is threatening their livelihoods, especially in communities where public electricity remains unreliable.
The situation has also raised concerns about road safety and environmental hazards, as desperate motorists resort to buying fuel from roadside vendors. These black market sellers often sell petrol at inflated prices, sometimes double the official pump price. In addition to financial exploitation, the practice poses serious fire risks due to poor handling and storage of petroleum products.
Experts have called for more sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s persistent fuel challenges. They argue that beyond short term interventions, the government must address structural issues within the petroleum supply chain. This includes improving local refining capacity, strengthening regulatory oversight, ensuring transparent pricing mechanisms, and investing in efficient transportation and storage infrastructure.
There are also renewed calls for diversification away from petrol dependency. Analysts suggest that expanding mass transit systems, promoting alternative energy sources, and encouraging the use of gas powered vehicles could reduce pressure on petrol demand in the long run. However, such measures require significant investment and long-term planning, which many Nigerians fear may be delayed by bureaucratic bottlenecks.
As queues persist and frustration grows, citizens are urging authorities to move swiftly to restore normalcy. For many Nigerians, fuel scarcity is more than an inconvenience, it is a disruption that touches nearly every aspect of daily life. Until lasting solutions are implemented, the return of fuel queues remains a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s energy supply system and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.
