Relief in Sight: Petrol queues to disappear amid hunger protest

The relentless petrol queues that have plagued Nigeria’s filling stations may finally clear up this week, as petroleum product loading resumes at depots in Lagos following the hunger protest.

The disruption, caused by a nationwide hunger protest that started on August 1, 2024, had led to depot owners shutting their doors and oil marketers halting supplies, fearing asset loss amid the unrest.

According to reports, on August 5, 2024, oil marketers confirmed that the shortage, which caused widespread queues in states like Abuja, Lagos, and Ogun, was exacerbated by the hunger protests. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) initially attributed the fuel scarcity to delays in discharging vessels, but the protests further complicated the supply chain.

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In a hopeful turn of events, sources reveal that trucks began loading petrol on August 4 and 5, with Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) officials overseeing the operations to ensure smooth distribution. Over the weekend, additional vessels arrived, restocking the previously dry depots and promising a return to normalcy.

As a result of improved supplies, several filling stations have reduced petrol prices from N850 to N700 per litre, offering some financial relief to consumers. The recent scarcity saw black marketers exploiting the crisis, with prices soaring up to N1,500 per litre in some areas.

With the reopening of depots and increased fuel availability, many Nigerians eagerly anticipate the end of the frustrating queues and inflated prices. However, the situation remains fluid, as the underlying tensions of the hunger protest continue to loom. For now, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping this week’s developments signal a lasting resolution to the fuel crisis.