In this report for IkejaBird, KOLA ALHASSAN examines the unabating fuel scarcity and mad rush to get Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) despite the promise of the NNPC that fuel distribution and supply would be back to normal.
When oil was discovered in 1956 at Oloibiri in Niger Delta after 50 years of frantic but unsuccessful oil exploration by many international oil companies, it was a delight and delirium for Nigerians. One could imagine resonant shouts of Eureka! This put the country on the global map.
In 1970, Nigeria reaped bountifully from oil. The end of the Biafran war ushered in a new chapter of oil boom following a rise in global oil prices. Thereafter in 1971, the country joined Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Then Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) was created in 1977.
Since that time, much water has passed under the bridge. Observers say there is suffering in the midst of plenty; hardship and deprivation to say the least.
Nigeria’s crude oil referred to as ‘Black gold’ has seemingly become a curse of sort. As the 7th largest producer of oil in the world Nigerians continue to suffer to get and use petrol the way they want.
Checks by IkejaBird revealed that petrol Black Market operators have been smiling to the bank these past weeks.
Motorcyclists who spoke with this reporter in Lagos and Ogun, noted that some petrol stations take delight in hoarding fuel, then they sell when they deem it fit. This has made Black Market operators to have a field day.
One of the motorcyclists (Okada rider) who identified himself as Salisu, said:
“Some petrol stations are happy to hoard fuel. They won’t sell, they lock their gates.”
“So we go to Black Market people who sell for N400/N500 per litre.”
On a visit to Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area in Ogun State, this writer discovered many shops and stalls (Black Market) where fuel is sold using plastic bottles and jerrycans.
In a chat with a Black Market operator who craved anonymity, a litre for her, sells at N300. When this reporter said it was exorbitant, she said she bought a litre at N250 in a petrol station.
“I bought at N250 per litre. I have to make my own gain too. It is not bad to sell at N300 per litre. Our leaders should help us look into the matter,” she said.
At an NNPC Ltd petrol station in Ipaja axis of Lagos, motorists and residents were seen on queue with the gate locked.
NNPC had said last month that the scarcity of fuel experienced by Nigerians would end, adding that there would be enough fuel in circulation henceforth.
It revealed that 30 vessels were expected to deliver 2.3 billion litres of petrol to the country till the end of last month.
But, it is still a tale of woe for Nigerians. The scarcity is biting harder than imagined, petrol stations refuse to sell, and when they do, fuel goes for N200/N250 per litre.
Farcical side of fuel scarcity
Amid mad rush for fuel, recently, a lady identified as Chidinma Pearl Ogbulu stole the show with videos of her petrol souvenirs trending on social media.
At her installation ceremony as Erelu Okin, a slew of 10-litre jerrycans were arranged for guests who had come to felicitate her.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said in a statement: “There is no doubt that this action is dangerous and can lead to loss of lives and property.
“It is blatantly against all safety measures in such places.”
“The Lagos State Government through the Safety Commission is investigating this matter and will ensure that all parties to this reprehensible action are made to account for it.
The Lagos State Police Command also ordered the arrest of those involved in the distribution of PMS as souvenirs at the party, just as the event centre where the party held was sealed.
Meanwhile, the Erelu Okin of Orile Kemta, Pearl Chidinma Ogbolu apologised for distributing jerrycans of fuel as souvenirs at her installation party in Lagos.
“I want to use this medium to apologise for the momentarily indiscretion of bringing fuel souvenirs into the hall.”
“My intent was just to show appreciation to my guests for turning up at my event at these hard times.
“I have paused to reflect and truly apologise and I thank you all for your understanding and criticisms,” she wrote on Instagram.
