Concerns are mounting over the looming possibility of fuel shortages across the country in the coming days. This apprehension stems from the revelation that only about 60 percent of depot owners possess up to 50 retail stations, a criterion set by the NNPC for eligibility to receive fuel supplies.

An unnamed source emphasized the seriousness of the situation, expressing the fear that the sector may be on the brink of a collapse, which could trigger a return to the era of acute fuel shortages. The implications of such a scenario extend to the disruption of socio-economic activities.

The root causes of this predicament are multifaceted. Firstly, depot owners are grappling with difficulties in importing fuel due to a shortage of foreign exchange. Additionally, the NNPC, which previously declared an abundance of fuel stock, is now not supplying most marketers.

This situation has a disproportionate impact on independent oil marketers, who operate numerous filling stations across the country and heavily rely on depot owners for their fuel supplies. The consequences are far-reaching, as even independent marketers with a limited number of stations in remote areas may find themselves unable to secure the necessary supplies.

It’s apparent that a confluence of factors is contributing to the resurgence of a potential fuel crisis, with the NNPC’s fuel rationing policy at the center of concerns. Stakeholders are calling on the NNPC to provide transparency and clarity on this matter, particularly in light of their previous claims about fuel stock levels.

The unfolding situation underscores the complexity and fragility of Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to avoid the recurrent challenges of fuel scarcity.