Nigeria faces fuel shortages and long queues amid price hikes

Nigerians are currently facing severe fuel shortages and rising prices, primarily due to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation's (NNPC) financial struggles and increasing global oil prices. The NNPC, responsible for importing and distributing fuel, has raised petrol prices from 617 naira to 897 naira per litre, leading to widespread discontent. Many petrol stations have either shut down or are experiencing long queues as desperate drivers wait for fuel, with some even sleeping in their cars overnight. The situation has forced commuters in major cities like Lagos to line up at bus stations, where very few buses are operating, and public transport prices have doubled. In some states, petrol prices have skyrocketed to as much as 1,200 naira per litre, prompting black-market traders to thrive by selling fuel at inflated prices. The Nigeria Labour Congress has expressed feelings of betrayal over the price hikes, especially after agreeing to a new minimum wage based on the previous fuel price. The economic crisis has intensified since President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies upon taking office, leading to nationwide protests. Citizens are now looking towards the newly established Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has recently begun producing petrol, as a potential solution to the ongoing fuel crisis. However, it remains uncertain how soon the refinery will alleviate the fuel shortages or lead to a decrease in prices. Overall, the combination of rising fuel prices, shortages, and the economic fallout from policy changes has left many Nigerians struggling to cope with the current situation, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to restore stability in the fuel market.