Fuel Scarcity Deepens Economic Troubles as Oil Marketers Cite Supply Challenges

Ongoing fuel scarcity in Nigeria exacerbates the already serious economic situation, pushing many citizens to the brink as they struggle to make ends meet. 

 The scarcity, which began in Lagos in late July, has now spread across numerous states, leading to fuel prices skyrocketing to as high as N1,050 per liter. 

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This additional burden on the public has heightened anxiety and stress. 

 Oil marketers have attributed the fuel shortage to persistent logistics challenges, with the President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, stating that the supply chain is severely constrained.

“We can only supply what we have,” Gillis-Harry remarked in an interview on Channels Television, highlighting that the current supply is insufficient to meet the nationwide demand. 

He added, “Until the ship gets products, it cannot deliver to any of the depots. And until depots have products, we, the retailers, cannot also have access to products,” 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been attempting to address the issue, but the scarcity persists, leaving many Nigerians in a state of despair. 

“We have been speaking with NNPCL. We encourage them to do more, and I can assure you that they are trying their best,” Gillis-Harry stated. 

However, as the fuel crisis continues with no immediate resolution in sight, the toll on the public grows heavier, exacerbating the overall economic strain and deepening the sense of uncertainty and frustration among the population.