…Motorists Endure Long Queues as Black Marketers Thrive
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is experiencing fresh petrol shortages, with motorists enduring hours-long queues to purchase Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The scarcity follows the closure of numerous filling stations, particularly those operated by independent marketers.
A survey by The ECONOMIC TIMES on Tuesday evening revealed that many filling stations in the city remained closed, while the few that were operational—primarily those owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and major oil marketers—were overwhelmed with long queues.
Key locations like the NNPC mega station on the Katampe axis of the Zuba-Kubwa Expressway, the AP station along Aguiyi Ironsi Street in the city centre, and NIPCO filling station along the same Zuba-Kubwa corridor saw massive queues of vehicles waiting to purchase fuel. The shortage has also left many residents stranded at bus stops, unable to find affordable public transport.
The situation has created an opportunity for black marketers, who have exploited the crisis to sell petrol at exorbitant prices to desperate commuters and motorists. Many residents have voiced frustration at the rising cost of living, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing fuel scarcity.
Despite the challenges, there are reports of a significant movement of fuel products in the past week. According to PUNCH, the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has lifted over 50 million litres of PMS from the Dangote Refinery. The Chairman of MEMAN, Huub Stokman, confirmed during a webinar on Tuesday that the association’s members had begun loading petrol from the Dangote Refinery.
“We have started loading PMS from Dangote refinery, and our members have lifted millions of litres,” Stokman said. However, he did not specify whether the marketers were buying the product directly from the refinery or from the supply acquired by the NNPCL.
While this development offers hope for some respite, it remains unclear how soon the current shortages will ease, leaving Abuja residents grappling with the dual challenge of access to fuel and the surging prices charged by black market operators.
