The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reportedly halted the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to independent marketers after increasing the price of the product on Tuesday.
This price hike has led to protests, with tricycle operators in Delta State taking to the streets of Warri and Effurun to express their dissatisfaction.
On Wednesday, three vessels arrived at the Apapa jetty in Lagos to offload imported petrol, yet long queues and fuel shortages persisted across the country. Commuters were stranded as many commercial vehicles stayed off the roads, citing the sharp rise in fuel prices.
The NNPC’s decision to raise the price of a litre of PMS to N855 at its retail outlets nationwide led independent marketers to sell petrol for as much as N1,200 to N1,300 in some states.
Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), criticized the NNPC for suspending the sale of petrol to marketers without prior notice, despite payments being made months earlier.
He confirmed that tickets for fuel loading had been suspended since Tuesday.
Fashola explained that independent marketers often resort to private depots, where fuel is sold at higher prices, due to inadequate supply from the NNPC.
He also addressed the anticipated release of fuel from the Dangote refinery, suggesting that it might bring some price relief but that details of the arrangement were still unclear.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) condemned the recent fuel price hike and called for its immediate reversal, warning that it would worsen poverty and hardship across Nigeria.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also criticized the government for increasing fuel prices despite earlier agreements and accused the presidency of disregarding the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
In response to the price hike, tricycle operators and market women in Delta State staged protests, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
Meanwhile, in states like Borno and Nasarawa, residents were forced to walk long distances or use bicycles due to the high cost of transport.
In Ilorin and Kaduna, many vehicle owners left their cars at home, opting for commercial motorcycles or tricycles due to fuel scarcity.
Despite the arrival of three vessels at the Apapa depot, sources revealed that the NNPC was focused on selling off old stock before commencing its deal with the Dangote refinery, which is expected to hit the market soon.
However, Nigerians remain anxious to see if the new refinery will help reduce the price of PMS.
 has reportedly halted the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to independent marketers after increasing the price of the product on Tuesday.){kind=link}