Fuel Subsidy Removal: Filling Stations Record Low Sales

Nigerians are struggling to cope with the rising cost of fuel, as many have been forced to reduce their driving habits or even park their cars altogether.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced on Wednesday that the price of petrol would be increased from N162 to N537 per litre. This has led to a sharp increase in the cost of transportation, and many Nigerians are now finding it difficult to afford to drive.

In a survey conducted by Daily Trust, it was found that many filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were now recording fewer customers. In most of the stations, the product was available, but motorists were buying less petrol, describing full tank purchases as an “avoidable luxury.”

It was also learnt that many Nigerians had parked their vehicles at home, while others were only using their cars when it was absolutely necessary. Civil servants who could not afford to go out were resorting to staying at home even without permission from their employers. Those who had personal businesses were only going out when there were no other options.

This has led to a significant reduction in traffic on highways, as many people are now choosing to walk or take public transportation instead of driving. The increase in the cost of fuel is also having a negative impact on the economy, as businesses are now facing higher transportation costs.

It remains to be seen how long Nigerians will be able to cope with the rising cost of fuel. However, it is clear that the increase in the price of petrol is having a significant impact on the lives of many Nigerians.

A manager at a filling station in Kano who pleaded anonymity said they used to sell out their stock within two days before, but “it is now a week and we still have the commodity.

“If you see anyone filling up his tank, look at the type of the car, it will definitely belong to a government official, politician or an influential person.”

Pump attendants at some filling stations described the new development as “scary”, saying patronage had dropped by over 50 per cent.

Adeyemi Joy, an attendant at Shema Filling Station along Kubwa-Zuba Expressway, said “Many of our customers now buy between N5,000 and N10,000 fuel and this is below half tank considering the current price.”

Another fuel attendant who did not want his name in print, said, “It is a surprise to us that most of our big customers who used to be regular here have not been regular anymore since the fuel price increase. Even when they come, they no longer pay to fill their tanks.”

Nigerians are cutting back on their use of cars as the price of fuel has increased

In a tweet on Wednesday, leading activist and founder of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside, said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)’s daily consumption figures would likely collapse as the old figures included three components: real domestic consumption, petrol smuggled across the border, and non-existent petrol that only existed because it was assigned to bogus subsidy claims.

Peterside’s tweet came as reports emerged that fewer vehicles were seen on the streets of major cities in Nigeria. In Kano, Zamfara, Ekiti, and Lagos, many car owners had parked their vehicles and were considering using motorcycles or battery-powered bicycles instead.

A civil servant at the Audu Bako Secretariat in Kano said that most of the vehicles belonging to the junior staff of the ministry had been grounded. The civil servant said that the staff were unable to afford the high cost of fuel and were now relying on public transportation or walking to work.

The increase in the price of fuel is having a significant impact on Nigerians’ lives. Many people are now struggling to afford to drive, and this is having a knock-on effect on the economy. Businesses are also facing higher transportation costs, which is making it difficult for them to operate.

It remains to be seen how long Nigerians will be able to cope with the rising cost of fuel. However, it is clear that the increase in the price of petrol is having a significant impact on the lives of many Nigerians.

“You know how a junior worker is, especially one under a state government payroll. Normally, they hardly drive their cars for 30 days straight without parking them to wait for their salary.

“Now that we are experiencing this high price of fuel, most of them have grounded their vehicles while some of them are looking at alternative means – to sell them and replace them with motorcycles.”

Faisal Ali, who works with one of the local government areas in Kano, said they have started skipping attendance.

“It has not been institutionalised but our superiors are not complaining. Many of us now go to the office two or three times a week.

“Those whose work is inevitable in the office are being supported by the superiors,” he said.

The level of patronage at filling stations in Ekiti State is very low due to the hike in the price of petrol.

However, the majority of the stations do not sell in the daytime but prefer to sell late in the evening at higher prices between N600 and N650.

A report said that the situation is biting harder on workers as they don’t resume at the normal time. Some stay on the road to see who will assist them to get to the nearest point to get to their destination or office. Many offices were virtually empty as only a few workers were seen around.

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