Fuel queues have reappeared at filling stations in Ilorin, as petrol scarcity continues to spread across Nigeria.
Reports indicate that a litre of petrol now sells for between N640 and N680 at major marketers’ stations in Ilorin, while prices have skyrocketed to between N900 and N1,000 at some independent fuel stations in the Kwara State capital.
Many filling stations were closed at the time of this report, claiming to be out of stock.
Tajudeen Balogun, a manager with one of the independent marketers, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “There is no importation or loading of petrol in Lagos anymore, as the NNPC remains the sole importer of the product.” He added that the scarcity would persist until Nigeria’s four local refineries are fully operational.
A senior official at a TotalEnergies station in Ilorin, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was unable to provide a clear explanation for the shortage. “The only thing I know is that we are unable to load fuel in Lagos because the product is not currently available,” he said, adding, “Only God can rescue the country from the present situation.”
The scarcity and rising fuel costs have led to a significant increase in transportation fares in Ilorin, with commercial cab drivers, motorcyclists, and tricycle operators all struggling to cope with the situation.
