Nigeria could be on the brink of a major fuel and cooking gas shortage, and if you’ve noticed long queues at filling stations or rising gas prices, read on to see the reasons.
- Current dispute between petroleum marketers and Lagos Sate Government
- Dispute between tanker drivers and the Lagos State Government
The two controversy above might soon affect households and businesses nationwide, as some individuals claim. However, what other developments support the above claim?
At the center of the issue is the Lagos government’s crackdown on parked fuel tankers, which has led to protests by drivers, fuel loading suspensions, and growing fears of supply disruptions.
What’s Happening?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the situation:
- Tanker Drivers vs. Lagos Government:
- Lagos State officials recently towed 30 fuel tankers near the Dangote Refinery, citing violations of the e-call-up system meant to regulate traffic.
- Drivers argue the trucks were parked legally, waiting to begin their journeys in the morning to comply with safety regulations.
- Fuel Loading Halted:
- Since February 22, tanker drivers have refused to load fuel, affecting supply to Lagos and other states.
- Many filling stations are running low, with some already shutting down due to depleted stock.
- Cooking Gas Supply at Risk:
- The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) warns that illegal levies on LPG transporters are making it difficult to move gas in and out of Lagos.
- A boycott by truck drivers has stalled LPG distribution, which could lead to price hikes just as gas prices had started to stabilize.
- Marketers Call for Dialogue:
- The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other stakeholders have urged the government to resolve the issue through discussion instead of enforcement.
- The South-West Zone of IPMAN has even threatened to shut down operations unless the seized tankers are released.
- Lagos Government Defends Its Actions:
- The state insists the enforcement of the e-call-up system began in January, with several tankers seized for non-compliance.
- Officials claim some drivers attacked enforcement officers, warning that stricter measures will take effect from March 1.
What’s Next?
If the deadlock continues, expect longer fuel queues, higher pump prices, and rising cooking gas costs. With the government standing firm on its enforcement policy and marketers refusing to back down, this standoff could spiral into a full-blown crisis.
👉 What do you think? Should the Lagos government ease enforcement to prevent fuel scarcity, or should tanker drivers comply with the new system? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Source: punchng.com, premiumtimesng.com, vanguardngr.com, businessday.ng