Lagos, Nigeria – Monday witnessed heavy traffic congestion in various parts of Lagos as motorists faced long queues outside filling stations amid fears of an impending scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Our correspondent observed significant gridlock along the Ikorodu Road axis, with motorists enduring unusually heavy traffic due to long queues at filling stations. Particularly, the Total Filling station on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way experienced heavy queues, exacerbating traffic congestion in the Ikeja area.
Several filling stations along the Ikeja axis, including those along Obafemi Awolowo Road, were found closed, compounding the challenges faced by motorists.
Meanwhile, commercial transport operators reported an increase in fares as a result of the fuel scarcity concerns. One operator, plying the Unilag-Jibowu axis in Yaba, disclosed that he was compelled to hike fares after spending hours in queues to purchase fuel.
“I had to increase fares today because of the time wasted trying to buy fuel. Anyone who isn’t willing to pay should find another means,” the operator, who chose to remain anonymous, stated.
Additionally, all filling stations along Ogunnusi Road inbound Berger were observed not selling petrol to customers, further exacerbating the situation.
The cause of the sudden fuel queues remains uncertain. However, it is noteworthy that the queues were particularly noticeable at major filling stations known for selling petrol at lower rates.
Furthermore, filling stations owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were reportedly not dispensing fuel to customers.
Reacting to the situation, Hammed Fashola, the National Vice Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, acknowledged the queues in Lagos. He attributed the phenomenon to possible panic-buying among customers.
“While I am not currently in Lagos, I have received reports of queues. It may simply be panic-buying. I cannot confirm if there is a fuel scarcity. People may just be panicking. However, I will investigate the issue further,” Fashola commented.
