Fuel Shortages Intensify Economic Hardship Across Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria - Nigerians in major cities, including the national capital Abuja, faced extended queues for fuel on Tuesday as the country grappled with another severe fuel shortage.

This persistent issue has escalated transportation costs and compounded the economic struggles for millions who depend on public transport.

Authorities have attributed the current fuel scarcity to supply chain disruptions and logistical challenges. In some areas, queues for gas stations extended up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles), illustrating the severity of the shortage.

Social media users expressed their frustration, with reports surfacing of filling stations imposing unusual conditions for purchasing fuel.

Nigeria, despite being one of Africa's largest crude oil producers, continues to suffer from frequent gasoline shortages. These are often exacerbated by strikes and other supply disruptions.

On this occasion, Nigeria's state oil firm has accused fuel companies of exploiting the crisis to maximize profits, a recurring theme in the nation's struggle with fuel supply.

The recent opening of Africa's largest refinery in Lagos was expected to alleviate some of these issues by boosting local refining capacity.

However, the refinery currently produces only diesel and aviation fuel, doing little to ease the gasoline shortage. In Abuja, fuel prices have surged by more than 15% to 675 naira (about 50 cents) per liter, with similar price hikes reported in other cities.

The fuel crisis is also affecting businesses that rely on generators due to Nigeria’s unreliable power supply, which has reportedly worsened in recent weeks.

The lack of fuel has led to significant traffic jams in parts of Abuja and Lagos, with some drivers parking overnight near gas stations in hopes of refueling early.

Taxi driver Farouk Ibrahim from Abuja shared his daily struggle, highlighting that the fuel scarcity not only hampers his ability to work but also affects his family’s livelihood.

"I haven't done anything today since morning because how do you want to work when there is no fuel?" he lamented, expressing concern over providing for his family's next meal.

This ongoing fuel shortage underscores the broader economic challenges facing Nigeria, including the need for more efficient energy solutions and infrastructure improvements to support its growing population and economic activities.