Long queues have resurfaced across major cities in Nigeria as the country grapples once again with persistent fuel scarcity. From Abuja to Lagos, Kaduna to Port Harcourt, motorists have been forced to spend long hours at filling stations, struggling to get petrol as supply tightens and prices continue to rise.
In the Federal Capital Territory, many stations have either shut down or are dispensing fuel in limited quantities, forcing drivers to rely on black market sellers who now charge far above the official pump price. The situation is similar in Lagos, where traffic congestion has worsened as vehicles line up along major roads waiting to buy fuel.
Findings show that the latest round of scarcity is caused by a combination of supply disruptions, distribution bottlenecks, and pricing uncertainties. Several independent marketers have reportedly slowed down operations, citing difficulties in accessing products from depots and the high cost of transportation. Others allege that they are unable to purchase fuel due to unpaid arrears and fluctuating prices from suppliers.
Industry sources also link the crisis to delays in loading at depots and ports caused by logistical and weather-related challenges. Fuel trucks are said to be spending longer hours waiting to lift products, while heavy rainfall and poor road conditions have further complicated distribution across the country.
As of September 2025, the pump price of petrol averaged ₦955 per litre in major cities. However, in the past few weeks, the price has risen to about ₦998 per litre at NNPC retail outlets, while independent marketers are reportedly selling between ₦1,000 and ₦1,050 per litre in some locations. This marks another sharp increase from the average ₦850 to ₦900 recorded earlier in the year, underscoring the deepening cost-of-living crisis facing Nigerians.
The recent policy shift following the removal of petrol subsidies has also played a role in the current scarcity. Without government cushioning, prices have become unstable, leading to panic buying among motorists and hoarding by some marketers who anticipate further price adjustments. This has intensified pressure on available stock and prolonged queues nationwide.
Meanwhile, transport fares have surged in several cities, putting additional strain on commuters and small businesses. Many commercial drivers say they are spending twice as much to fuel their vehicles, while others have reduced their working hours to manage costs.
Until lasting solutions are found to address the recurring issues of distribution, pricing, and local refining, experts warn that the fuel crisis may continue to haunt the country for the foreseeable future.
