The hunger protest that began on Thursday has increased fuel scarcity across Nigeria, leading to a standstill in petrol loading at Lagos depots.
Depot owners reportedly closed their facilities due to security concerns, fearing potential violence.
The scarcity, which began last weekend in Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Niger, and other states, has seen petrol prices surge to approximately N1,000 per litre.
Black marketers have capitalized on the situation, with some selling fuel for up to N1,300 per litre in certain areas.
As of Sunday, depots were running low on fuel due to delays in the discharge of petrol from vessels.
Sources indicated that fuel vessels were arriving one after another, but the protest impeded operations. More vessels were needed at the ports to ensure a steady supply of petrol nationwide.
Depot owners’ decision to halt operations was influenced by fears of violence linked to the protest.
Although the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) expressed willingness to assist with loading, depot owners opted not to risk the potential security threats.
An anonymous operator revealed that the depots remained inactive on Thursday and Friday due to the dual issues of fuel scarcity and security concerns.
He noted that if conditions improved, loading might resume soon.
Tanker drivers had initially expressed their intention to continue fuel distribution despite the protests.
Yusuf Othman, President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), confirmed that his members were directed to keep operating, albeit with caution.
Othman emphasized that NARTO would not participate in the protest and that the association’s operations were intended to prevent further scarcity.
Othman also noted that he was unaware of any operational disruptions within his association, asserting that fuel circulation would persist despite the ongoing protests.
He assured that NARTO members were instructed to continue their work while remaining vigilant to ensure that fuel supplies remained steady across the country.
