Motorists, Commuters Groan As Fuel Scarcity Hits Harder In Lagos, Abuja

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Monday, March 2nd, 2015

By Tajudeen Balogun, Ayo Balogun and Niyi Adeyi – The sudden fuel scarcity experienced in Lagos metropolis and Abuja got worsen Sunday and Monday as filling stations with the product are besieged by the motorists resulting in long queues.

Since Sunday, AFRICAN EXAMINER online observed that so many petrol stations are without fuel, a development that prompts long queue at the few outlets that sell.

Our Correspondent observed heavy traffic due to queue for fuel in Abule Egba, Iyana Ipaja, Ikeja, on Lagos – Abeokuta expressway and Agege motor road.

Traffic snarl were also witnessed in Agege, abattoir and new Oko Oba ends of Agege motor axis; Ijaiye road, Ogba; Iju road Ifako Ijaiye; Oba Ogunji road Agege; Oba Akran Ikeja; Idi Iroko, Anthony, Palm groove, Obanikoro, Onipanu, Fadeyi, all on Ikorodu road; Funso Williams, Surulere; Marina, Lagos Island among other areas in the State. The situation our Correspondents gathered is the same on the long stretch of the Oshodi – Apapa axis.

There is no official reaction yet to the unexpected scarcity. But while some commuters and road users suspected sabotage, some linked the situation to crash in the exchange rate of naira with dollar.

“Since the fuel is presently imported into the country, with high exchange rates, the importation might be hampered, until Nigeria makes sure the local refineries are working, the country might not be safe from this ugly incident” responded, Mrs Motunrayo Aina, a bank executive who works in Lagos Island.

The development affected traffic flow, including commercial, in some parts of Lagos Monday as most motorists were engaged in search of fuel. This however resulted in long waiting by the commuters at the bus stops as well as hike in transport fares.

Our correspondent reports that motorists experienced similar situation in FCT, Abuja.

Many working class in the city faced harrowing experience before making it to their offices Monday morning.