FG Threatens to Revoke Licenses of Fuel Marketers Over Petrol Hoarding 

On Friday, long lines of vehicles were seen at fuel stations across Abuja, Niger, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and other states as the fuel scarcity continues. Some stations were closed due to a lack of petrol, while others sold at very high prices. For example, in the Kado area of Abuja, some stations sold petrol for as much as N849 per liter. Motorists are frustrated, with some spending hours in queues just to get fuel. 

Taxi Drivers and Motorists Express Frustration 

A taxi driver named Matthew shared his struggles due to the fuel scarcity. He mentioned that he must spend one day just to buy fuel and another to work, which makes it hard for him to survive.  

Government Warns Fuel Marketers 

In response to the widespread fuel shortages, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), warned that it would revoke the licenses of fuel stations involved in hoarding petrol or selling to black marketers. During an inspection in Abuja, the Executive Director of NMDPRA, Ogbugo Ukoha, urged fuel stations to stop selling petrol in jerrycans, as it poses safety risks. 

The fuel scarcity has become a daily struggle for many Nigerians, causing frustration and despair. We urge the government to address this issue urgently to bring relief to the citizens,” — Matthew, a taxi driver in Abuja. 

Fuel Supply Issues 

Reports indicate that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is struggling to import enough petrol into the country, causing a shortage. Some depot owners are selling petrol at higher prices, and marketers are willing to buy at any cost, knowing that desperate Nigerians will still purchase the fuel. Prices of petrol have skyrocketed in many states, with some stations selling petrol for as high as N1,000 per liter. Despite promises from the NNPC to resolve the issue, the situation remains dire. Many fuel stations are out of stock, and prices continue to rise across the country. The government and NNPC are urged to take immediate action to bring relief to the suffering citizens. 

The ongoing fuel scarcity continues to cause significant hardship for Nigerians, with high prices and long queues adding to the frustration. The Federal Government’s threat to revoke the licenses of fuel marketers involved in hoarding is a step towards addressing the issue, but immediate and effective action is needed to restore normalcy. Citizens are eagerly awaiting a resolution that will bring relief and stability to their daily lives.