The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has suspended the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). This decision follows a significant surge in petrol prices, which has already caused widespread concern and protests across the country.

The NNPCL’s recent price hike saw petrol prices soar to between ₦855 and ₦897 per litre at its retail outlets. In response, independent marketers have been selling petrol for as high as ₦1,200 to ₦1,300 per litre in some states. This disparity has led to severe fuel shortages and long queues at filling stations, leaving many commuters stranded or forced to walk long distances.

Hammed Fashola, the National Vice President of IPMAN, expressed frustration over the NNPCL’s abrupt decision to halt sales without formal notification, despite payments being made for the product months in advance. He emphasized the need for the NNPCL to address the situation urgently to prevent further hardship for Nigerians.

The suspension of petrol sales to independent marketers has exacerbated the already dire fuel scarcity, with reports of worsening conditions in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. The NNPCL has yet to provide an official statement on the matter, leaving many to speculate on the reasons behind the sudden halt.

As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are left to grapple with the economic impact of rising fuel costs and the uncertainty of when normalcy will return to the fuel supply chain.