Fuel shortage: Traders in Abuja flout government regulations and sell petrol above N165

Fuel distributors raised the price of petrol at the pump in Abuja on Monday, with several stations selling the product above the government-regulated price of N165 per litre.

The development comes as residents continue to face shortages that began in 2021. While the government says it has enough supplies for everyone, marketers say several factors made it difficult to sell at the approved rate.

The chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Okoronkwo, told PREMIUM TIMES that if his members were not selling at a loss, their margin had dropped significantly. He blamed the high cost of logistics and the war in Ukraine, although the crisis predated the conflict.

Last week, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, said that despite paying additional transport costs to traders, they were asking for more. He said the situation in Abuja persisted because traders were being closely monitored to ensure they maintained the approved rate, unlike other places where they can sell at higher prices.

Petrol pump at Eyis Global Invest Limited showing adjusted pump price of N185/Liter [Photo: Richard Akinwumi]

A PREMIUM TIMES correspondent who visited petrol stations in Abuja on Monday found that some petrol stations in the Lugbe and Wuse areas of the city had started selling to buyers at prices as high as N190.

At Danmarna Petrol Limited, Police Sign Board junction, Lugbe, and Eyis Global Ltd, Opp Dunamis Church, Airport Road, Lugbe, the product was sold for N185 per litre.

A Danmarna Petrol Ltd employee who did not give his name told PREMIUM TIMES that the price rose last Friday.

An employee of Eyis Global Ltd said most petrol stations in the city now sell the product at 185 naira per litre.

“As you can see we are selling this for N185. Just drive around Abuja and you will find that many stations have also raised their price at the pump,” the attendant said.