Fuel Scarcity: Concerns As Queues Resurface At Ilorin Petrol Stations

Motorists and commercial motorcycle riders have been stranded as petrol queues resurfaced at fuel stations across Ilorin, Kwara State, following the lingering nationwide fuel scarcity that worsens.

Naija News reports that petrol prices recently increased from ₦640, ₦645, N670, and ₦680 to almost ₦1,000 in some megacities and communities.

Reports emerging on Wednesday morning revealed that some major outlets and independent fuel retailers in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, are currently charging exorbitant ₦900, ₦950, or even ₦1,000 per litre of the product.

As of this report’s time, most filling stations were inaccessible, with signs indicating they had run out of stock.

Tajudeen Balogun, a manager at an independent fuel retailer in Ilorin, who reportedly spoke to Daily Post on Tuesday, expressed his frustration, stating, “There is no importation or loading of petrol in Lagos as the NNPC has become the sole importer of the product.”

He further emphasized that the situation is expected to persist until the four local refineries are operational and capable of meeting the critical needs of the Nigerian populace.

A senior official from TotalEnergies, who shared information with the media outlet, however, could not provide a definitive explanation for the current situation.

“The only thing I know is that we are unable to load fuel in Lagos because the product is not available presently,” he stated, adding that “only God can rescue the country from the present situation.”