Fuel Scarcity: The Dark Side of the Nigerian Oil Industry
As Nigerians grapple with the latest hike in fuel prices, a new reality has emerged: a game of deceit at the nation’s fueling stations. Fill-up stations are engaging in under-dispensing, tampering with pump meters to dispense less fuel than advertised, leaving consumers bearing the brunt of this unscrupulous conduct.
The current fuel price, pegged at N1,030 per liter, has led to a surge in complaints from consumers. Many have reported unsavory experiences, with filling stations outside major towns being the most culpable. A check by Sunday Vanguard revealed the devastating impact of the price hike on consumers, with many seeking alternative measures to avoid being duped.
The government is still reeling from the recent price hikes, but petrol stations seem to be cashing in. In a shocking development, a tanker driver in Osun State was arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for diverting fuel intended for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) mega station to an independent filling station.
The suspect, Afeez Adegbola, allegedly delivered 30,000 liters to the NNPC station, instead of the 40,000 liters initially loaded. This raises concerns about the scale of fuel diversion, which is driving up prices and exacerbating the nation’s fuel scarcity.
Dangote Refinery has, however, denied claims of selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N1,015 and N1,028 per liter, dismissing these reports as fake news. Meanwhile, oil marketers have expressed plans to import lower-priced fuel from the international market, challenging the dominance of Dangote’s refinery and NNPC’s prices.
As the fuel crisis deepens, the authorities must take decisive action to curb the tide of corruption and ensure a fair and transparent fuel market. For now, Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of this crisis, forced to contend with the unpleasant reality of under-dispensing, unscrupulous practices, and the rising cost of living.
