**Fatshimetrie sheds light on Nigeria’s fuel crisis**
The endless queue of Nigerians to buy fuel has once again highlighted the West African country’s ongoing crisis. On April 30, residents of Nigeria’s major cities spent hours waiting to refuel, exacerbating the economic difficulties already present for millions of Nigerians.
The fuel shortage has led to rising transportation costs in a country where many people rely on public transportation. Authorities attributed the shortage to disruptions in supply due to logistical challenges. Queues leading to gas stations stretched up to 3 kilometers in some cities, including the national capital, Abuja.
Nigeria, as one of Africa’s leading crude oil producers, regularly faces gasoline shortages, often due to frequent strikes and supply disruptions. As in previous episodes, Nigeria’s state oil company has accused oil companies of taking advantage of the current situation to maximize their profits.
Nigeria relies heavily on imported fuel due to the underdevelopment of its refineries. Africa’s largest refinery recently opened in Lagos, Nigeria’s main economic hub, and is expected to increase refining capacity. However, this private facility currently only produces diesel and jet fuel.
The cost of fuel at many petrol stations in Abuja has already increased by more than 15% from the usual price of 675 naira (50 cents) per liter. Prices varied in other cities across the country.
The fuel crisis poses challenges for many businesses that run on generators due to Nigeria’s chronically unreliable electricity supply, which has deteriorated in recent weeks.
In parts of Abuja and Lagos, half the roads were clogged with private cars and taxi drivers, some having spent the night near gas stations to buy fuel early in the morning.
This situation has triggered frustration among residents, as Farouk Ibrahim, a taxi driver in Abuja, testifies: “I haven’t done anything today since the morning because how can I work without fuel? “. Father of two, Ibrahim expressed concerns about finding money to bring back enough to feed his family for the next meal.
Nigeria’s fuel crisis is a stark reminder of the challenges many Nigerians face on a daily basis. The need for more efficient and transparent management of oil resources is becoming increasingly pressing to enable the country to prosper and guarantee a better future for its citizens.