In Lagos, on Monday, motorists found themselves caught in heavy traffic gridlock as they queued up outside filling stations, signalling a potential shortage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Observations made along the Ikorodu Road axis revealed an unprecedented gridlock as motorists patiently awaited their turn to purchase petrol. Additionally, queues were observed at the Total Filling Station on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, exacerbating congestion in the Ikeja area.
Furthermore, several filling stations along the Ikeja axis, particularly along Obafemi Awolowo Road, were found to be closed, adding to the challenges faced by motorists.
In response to the situation, some motorists resorted to hiking their fares, attributing the adjustment to the prolonged wait for fuel. A commercial transport operator servicing the Unilag-Jibowu axis in Yaba highlighted the frustration, emphasising the extensive time spent procuring fuel and advising reluctant passengers to abstain from boarding.
Meanwhile, all filling stations along Ogunnusi Road inbound to Berger were reported to be non-operational, further compounding the scarcity issue.
The cause of the fuel queues remains unclear, although it was noted that major filling stations, typically known for offering lower prices, were notably affected. Additionally, filling stations owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were reported to be unable to dispense fuel.
Commenting on the matter, Hammed Fashola, the National Vice Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, acknowledged awareness of the queues but attributed them to potential panic-buying among customers. Despite being away from Lagos at the time, Fashola assured that he would investigate the situation further to ascertain the root cause.
As uncertainty looms over the resurgence of fuel queues in Lagos, motorists and residents brace themselves for potential disruptions in transportation and economic activities.
