Nigeria’s persistent petrol scarcity crisis appears to be going from bad to worse, with independent marketers now selling fuel at prices up to N730 per liter on average – over 20% higher than the major marketers. Some independents are even charging as high as N900 in outskirt areas, while black market prices have hit a staggering N1500 per liter amid the desperation.
As usual, consumers are bearing the brunt through endless queues, inflated prices, and difficulties accessing this essential commodity. But the blame game between marketers and regulators shows no resolution in sight.
Independent marketers like IPMAN claim they have no choice but to sell at higher prices because NNPC’s portal has been down, cutting off their access to subsidized depot supplies. They lament having to source from third-party depots at exorbitant rates over N650-700 per liter, on top of transportation costs.
However, one must question IPMAN’s claims of being completely shut out. MEMAN, the major marketers’ association, admits its members leverage product swaps and logistics collaboration to keep stations supplied. So why are independent marketers unable to negotiate any such cooperation?
The suggestion that major marketers enjoy undue priority access from NNPC is a serious allegation of discriminatory practices that requires scrutiny. Is there truly a level playing field, or are certain marketers being disadvantaged, worsening the supply crunch for consumers?
Moreover, the bigger elephant in the room is NNPC’s inability to seamlessly and transparently manage product supplies and distribution despite its central role and dominance in fuel imports. Its lack of commenting raises further skepticism.
Disturbingly, the entire crisis points to deeper operational ineptitude, lack of contingency planning, and apparent regulatory failure to enforce a viable and equitable fuel distribution system in Africa’s largest oil producer. This is unacceptable for a commodity as critical as petrol.
Nigeria is being crippled repeatedly by these recurring petrol scarcity crises that should have become avoidable planning issues by now. Throwing around accusations only underscores how ill-prepared and compromised the fuel supply chain has become.
Citizens deserve more than these endless buck-passing exercises that only further erode confidence in the country’s fuels management competence. Until transparency and accountability are enforced, Nigerians will keep paying the high price for these systemic failures at the pump.
Reference
Petrol scarcity: Why pump price is high in our station — IPMAN published in Vanguard