Fuel Hoarding: FG Threatens to Revoke Marketer’s Licences

Ongoing fuel scarcity across Nigeria continues to devastate the livelihoods of citizens, especially taxi drivers and other daily wage earners who rely on fuel to make a living.

As queues for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stretch across Abuja, Gombe, Yobe, and several northern states, the Federal Government has issued a stern warning to fuel marketers, threatening to revoke the licenses of those involved in hoarding the scarce commodity.

Despite these threats, the situation remains dire, with many fuel stations either closed or selling gasoline at exorbitant prices.

In Abuja’s Kado axis, some stations sold petrol at an alarming price of N849 per liter. Also, Sokoto State expressed their frustration as the price of PMS rose to N1,000 per liter, while others remained shut due to a lack of supply, forcing drivers to wait for hours in hopes of getting fuel.

“We are suffering because of this situation,” lamented a frustrated taxi driver. “I implore the government to look into this issue and find a solution. We need a better way forward to bring joy and prosperity back to our lives.”

 

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has declared war on the illegal sale of PMS, warning filling stations against servicing illegal peddlers.

However, with NNPC struggling to import sufficient petrol, depot owners continue to sell at inflated prices, exacerbating the crisis for ordinary Nigerians.

 

“There is no hope for fuel scarcity yet,” said Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria. “Whatever NNPC brings is what marketers will push out. We are still managing whatever we have.”

The public’s demand for government intervention grows as the average Nigerian faces escalating hardships due to the ongoing fuel shortage.