Since November 28, 2022, many Nigerians have experienced a new level of shege regarding fuel scarcity. Fuel shortages have affected over 30,000 filling stations nationwide and left millions of Nigerians wasting time in queues.
To make matters worse, fuel marketers decided to launch the Christmas season with breakfast as fuel prices went up from ₦180 to ₦230 per litre.
The government has blamed traffic congestion for the scarcity and industry operators have blamed the private depot owners for the hikes in private depot prices. But what exactly is anyone doing about the crisis Nigerians are enduring when they should be enjoying the festive season?
The fuel price slash
To satisfy private fuel marketers, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) decided to slash the fuel price
The 48-hour ultimatum
On December 13, 2022, the Department of State Services (DSS) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the NNPC — either resolve the fuel scarcity crisis, or those impeding the supply of fuel will face the consequences.
The ultimatum doesn’t seem to be bearing much fruit so far, as vehicle owners especially in Lagos and Abuja continue to have a tough time getting petrol from filling stations.
We can only hope the government can find a long-lasting solution that doesn’t come with threats. Experiencing fuel scarcity is definitely not the best way for Nigerians to spend Detty December.
