There was palpable tension in some parts of Lagos on Monday as a number of fuel stations were shut over supply disruptions.
When The PUNCH visited Ikotun, Akonwonjo Egbeda, Igando axis, it was observed that many fuel outlets were shut. Our correspondents observed that Mobil filling stations along the Ikotun-Idimu road and the Odo-Eran axis of the Isheri-Igando road were dispending fuel. It was also observed that the two Mobil fuel stations had long queues.
Along the Egbeda-Akowonjo axis, our correspondents observed that only an outlet belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited located on Akowonjo road was dispensing as of the time of filling this report on Monday.
Also, our correspondents observed a number of fuel stations along the Mowe-Ibafo axis of Ogun State were not selling as of the time of filling this report.
Reacting to the development, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Hammed Fashola, blamed the disruption in the supply chain of the product coupled with the public holiday for the development.
Fashola who admitted that the supply disruption started before the holidays, said it would ease off from Wednesday after the Easter holiday.
“I think there is a little disruption in supply. The Easter holiday from Friday to Monday also added to the situation. I think from Wednesday it will ease off. The holiday is almost four days off; it will have its effect. But I am sure by Wednesday it will start getting better. However, there was little problem with supply even before the holiday. There was a little hiccup in supply, the holiday added to it. I am sure will start getting better after the holiday.” Fashola said.
In February, there were long queues in many filling stations across Lagos following the strike of members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners.
The queues followed fear by Nigerians that premium motor spirit might become scarce as a result of the NARTO strike.
