Nigerians battle with gasoline shortages as queues type throughout main cities

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerians have been queuing for hours to purchase gasoline throughout main cities on Tuesday because the West African nation struggled with its newest gasoline scarcity, inflicting extra hardship for hundreds of thousands already struggling in an financial disaster.

The gasoline scarcity has led to a rise in transportation prices within the nation the place many individuals depend on public transportation. Authorities blamed the scarcity on provide disruptions as a result of logistical challenges. Queues resulting in fuel stations stretched as much as 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) in some cities together with the nationwide capital, Abuja.

Nigeria is one in every of Africa’s high crude oil producers, however gasoline shortages are commonplace, largely on account of frequent strikes and provide disruptions. As on earlier events, Nigeria’s state oil agency accused gasoline firms of exploiting the present scenario to maximise revenue.

Nigeria depends closely on imported gasoline as a result of underperforming refineries. The largest refinery in Africa opened lately in Lagos, Nigeria’s financial hub, and is predicted to spice up refining capability. Nevertheless, the privately owned facility nonetheless produces solely diesel and aviation gasoline.

The price of gasoline in lots of fuel stations in Abuja has already jumped by greater than 15% from the standard 675 naira (50 cents) per liter. Costs different in different cities across the nation.

The gasoline disaster causes difficulties for the various companies that run on turbines due to Nigeria’s chronically erratic energy provide, which has worsened in current weeks.

In some elements of Abuja and Lagos, half the roads have been crammed with site visitors jams of personal automobile homeowners and taxi drivers, together with some who had parked close to fuel stations in a single day to purchase gasoline early.

“I haven’t completed something right now since morning as a result of how do you wish to work when there isn’t a gasoline?” Abuja taxi driver Farouk Ibrahim requested. A father of two, Ibrahim stated his best concern is discovering cash to return dwelling with for the household’s subsequent day’s meal.

“No gasoline, no gentle, even to eat is an issue,” he stated from a gasoline queue in Abuja’s Garki district.

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