Nigerians are facing long waits at petrol stations due to fuel shortages and rising prices. Many are spending hours, especially in Lagos, waiting to fill up their tanks because of the lack of fuel.
According to the BBC, the state-owned oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is struggling to get fuel due to debts and increasing global prices.
As a result, commuters in Lagos are lining up at bus stations, but very few buses are available. Some people told the BBC they are walking long distances because public transport prices have doubled in certain areas.
The NNPC has increased the petrol price from 617 naira ($0.40, £0.30) to 897 naira per litre, leaving Nigerians frustrated and stranded. BBC reports that in some states, like Oyo, Kano, and Kaduna, prices have gone up even higher, reaching 1,200 naira per litre.
The situation has led to many fuel stations shutting down because they have either run out of fuel or are adjusting their prices.
In the capital, Abuja, although many stations are still open, long queues stretch out as drivers wait, with some sleeping in their cars overnight, according to BBC.
There is also a risk that some drivers might leave empty-handed as stations are not rationing supply.
A motorcycle rider in Kano told the BBC that it’s frustrating to see most stations closed, as they are adjusting to the new prices.
While some black-market traders are making money by selling fuel at even higher prices from jerrycans, traffic has significantly reduced in places like Kano.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the country’s main trade union, feels “betrayed” by the government.
BBC reported that the NLC agreed to a new minimum wage of 70,000 naira ($44, £34) in July, based on the government’s promise that petrol prices wouldn’t increase.
When President Bola Tinubu came to power last year, he removed a subsidy that kept fuel prices low, which surprised many Nigerians. BBC reports that this move, along with other policies, has caused the worst economic crisis in a generation. Last month, protests were held nationwide due to the high cost of living.
Now, Nigerians are hoping that the newly opened Dangote Petroleum Refinery, built by one of Africa’s richest men, Aliko Dangote, will help.
The BBC highlighted that the refinery just started producing petrol, marking a major step forward in a country that, despite being Africa’s largest crude oil producer, imports all its refined fuel.
However, it is unclear when Nigerians will see fuel availability improve or prices drop.