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Fuel Scarcity and Long Queues Persist in FCT |
Fuel shortages continue to plague the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leading to long queues at the few stations that are dispensing fuel.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), many fuel stations in the FCT are not dispensing fuel, while the few that are have long queues.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) attributed the fuel supply and distribution issues in parts of Lagos and the FCT to a delay in the discharge operations of a few vessels.
NNPC Ltd. assured that it is working tirelessly with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normal operations.
However, a NAN correspondent observed on Monday that black market vendors were capitalizing on the situation, selling fuel at prices ranging from N1,200 to N1,300 per litre.
Many commuters, including civil servants, were stranded at various bus stops, while motorists who purchased fuel from black market vendors increased transport fares.
The Conoil and TotalEnergies stations opposite the NNPC Ltd. Towers were selling fuel but with long queues.
Several stations in Apo were not selling fuel, while a long queue was seen at the NNPC Ltd. retail outlet at Dankogi Junction, Apo.
NNPC Ltd. retail outlets at Zone 3, Zone 1, and the mega station at Church Gate were selling fuel with long queues at N617 per litre, while independent marketers were selling between N660 and N900 per litre.
Traffic on the Nyanya-Karshi route was light, but many commuters were stranded as numerous fuel stations were closed. Fuel Smart and Janep stations, operating like black market vendors, were dispensing fuel.
NIPCO fuel station and two Shema stations along the Nyanya-Keffi highway were also dispensing fuel with queues.
Motorists expressed frustration over the persistent fuel scarcity and its impact on citizens, urging the Federal Government to address the issue comprehensively.
One motorist, who wished to remain anonymous, lamented the harsh economic conditions caused by the high fuel prices, stating that he was operating at a loss just to sustain his livelihood.
David Eneh, a commuter and civil servant, called on the government to expedite its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project nationwide to promote the use of CNG vehicles and reduce fuel prices.
He noted that the overreliance on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) makes it a scarce commodity, but widespread CNG usage, with its affordability and infrastructure, would alleviate the scarcity of PMS. (NAN)
