Fuel scarcity has gripped Lagos, leading to long queues and gridlock around filling stations in various parts of the state. Channels Television observed motorists forming queues that spilled onto the streets, causing significant traffic congestion.

The price of petrol has surged, with a litre now selling for between N800 and N1,000 at some filling stations, leading to a sharp increase in transportation costs. Meanwhile, some filling stations have ceased operations, while black market traders have capitalised on the situation to make quick profits.

This crisis is not confined to Lagos alone, as some states in the northern region are also experiencing persistent fuel shortages.

In response to the situation, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has threatened to revoke the licenses of filling stations found hoarding fuel.

“NMDPRA has launched a crackdown on the illegal sale of petroleum products, particularly PMS, in jerrycans. Filling stations are advised to refrain from servicing illegal peddlers, as failure to comply will result in the suspension of retail licences,” the agency announced in a tweet.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had earlier attributed the fuel scarcity to delays in the discharge operations of several vessels.

“The NNPCL wishes to clarify that the fuel supply and distribution constraints observed in parts of Lagos and the FCT are due to delays in the discharge operations of a few vessels,” said NNPCL spokesman Olufemi Soneye. He assured Nigerians that the NNPCL is working to resolve the issue.

“Additionally, the situation has been exacerbated by the flooding of truck routes, which has hampered the movement of PMS from the coastal areas to Abuja,” he added.

In the meantime, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has deployed its officers to monitor traffic around filling stations. LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, quoted the agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, as warning motorists against obstructing traffic flow.

“We want our roads to remain free-flowing; fuel queues should not become a burden for other road users in Lagos,” the LASTMA chief stated.