Filling stations shut as fuel queues resurface in Lagos

Long queues have resurfaced in filling stations across Lagos over the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol.

The situation, which has led to increment of transport fares in the nation’s commercial capital, posed a challenge for motorists and commuters across the state.

It was gathered that the issue made some commuters resort to trekking long distances to get to their destinations, while commercial drivers took advantage of the fuel scarcity to hike transport fares.

Many of the fuel stations in Lagos claimed they are without supply, while the few stations with supply have begun to attract long queues.

It was, however, learnt that the petrol scarcity currently in Lagos is due to the current effort by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to recall harmful imported petroleum products.

READ ALSO: Marketers: Fuel queues to persist until depots restock

According to sources, most of the petrol imported into the country under the Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP) contract has a high content of methanol and ethanol, which are outside the official specification of Nigeria’s petrol.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr Clement Isong, while speaking on the development, said the queues being experienced at the filling stations were due to some operational challenges.

Isong, however, failed to give details of the challenge, saying the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is set to issue a statement concerning the fuel scarcity.

NNPC had yet to speak on the development as of the time of filing this report.

TheStar