Travellers and commuters across Nigeria faced significant disruptions yesterday as the country grappled with worsening petrol scarcity.

Despite efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and oil marketers to address the situation, many filling stations in Lagos and Abuja remained closed or without petrol, exacerbating the crisis.

With limited options, motorists and users turned to black market operators, who sold petrol at inflated prices of between N900 and N1,000 per litre in various locations, including Ikorodu Road and Isolo.

The scarcity also led to a surge in transportation costs, with fares on both inter and intra-state routes skyrocketing. This surge left commuters stranded at bus stops and travellers stuck in motor parks, as transporters imposed higher charges.

In some instances, the cost of popular routes such as Lagos-Abuja nearly doubled, reaching up to N50,000 from the usual N30,000, prompting some travellers to cancel their trips altogether.

The situation was not limited to major cities; in Makurdi, the pump price soared to N780 per litre, with long queues forming at stations that still had petrol available.

Commuters in Jos-Bukuru experienced fare hikes ranging from 17% to 50%, reflecting the impact of the fuel scarcity on transportation costs.

Efforts by the Kwara State government’s task force to address the situation included raids on filling stations in Ilorin to prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution of petrol.

Despite assurances from authorities and efforts by major marketers to alleviate the crisis, the scarcity persisted, leaving many Nigerians facing uncertainty and financial strain.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) warned motorists against causing traffic gridlocks at filling stations, emphasizing the need for orderly queuing to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic.

While stakeholders work to resolve the fuel scarcity, the situation serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector and the impact on citizens’ daily lives.