Niger’s service stations have faced a shortage of premium fuel for nearly a week, resulting in long queues of cars and motorbikes at those with a supply. Fuel is being rationed by the Niger Petroleum Company, SONIDEP, which doesn’t ease people’s daily activities.
Moussa Kassou, for instance, drove to the Boukoki quarter of the capital, Niamey, only to be informed there was no petrol available. He adds, “Someone just called to tell me to come to Wadata for one or two litres of petrol. For this, one has to waste a litre and a half – it’s a nightmare.”
Nigeriens are not accustomed to fuel shortages, as their oil-rich country has had its first refinery operational since 2011. However, currently, it’s unable to meet the national demand of over two million litres per day due to various factors. This lack of transparency in fuel management is causing concern.
Niamey resident Assoumane Hamadou Souley complains, “We don’t have much information on this because the authorities, who are obliged to give us full explanations, are not doing so. We’re at a loss. We don’t have any real information.”
While SONIDEP blames the situation on stock shortages, transport operators who are heavily impacted by this shortage, disagree and suggest that the state should increase daily production to meet demand. The Taxi and Urban Transport Drivers’ Union (SYNCTAXITU) believes the state should boost production to effectively meet the city’s needs.
Agali Ibrahim, the General Secretary of SYNCTAXITU, suggests, “Today, as soon as they stop oil smuggling, everyone goes to the pumps. And when everyone’s at the pumps, what’s there can’t be enough.”
Tanker trucks are expected to increase from 24 to 100 a day in the capital alone. Organizations have also called for the government to open borders temporarily with Benin and Nigeria for accessing fuel supplies.
Moussa Kassou, for instance, drove to the Boukoki quarter of the capital, Niamey, only to be informed there was no petrol available. He adds, “Someone just called to tell me to come to Wadata for one or two litres of petrol. For this, one has to waste a litre and a half – it’s a nightmare.”
Nigeriens are not accustomed to fuel shortages, as their oil-rich country has had its first refinery operational since 2011. However, currently, it’s unable to meet the national demand of over two million litres per day due to various factors. This lack of transparency in fuel management is causing concern.
Niamey resident Assoumane Hamadou Souley complains, “We don’t have much information on this because the authorities, who are obliged to give us full explanations, are not doing so. We’re at a loss. We don’t have any real information.”
While SONIDEP blames the situation on stock shortages, transport operators who are heavily impacted by this shortage, disagree and suggest that the state should increase daily production to meet demand. The Taxi and Urban Transport Drivers’ Union (SYNCTAXITU) believes the state should boost production to effectively meet the city’s needs.
Agali Ibrahim, the General Secretary of SYNCTAXITU, suggests, “Today, as soon as they stop oil smuggling, everyone goes to the pumps. And when everyone’s at the pumps, what’s there can’t be enough.”
Tanker trucks are expected to increase from 24 to 100 a day in the capital alone. Organizations have also called for the government to open borders temporarily with Benin and Nigeria for accessing fuel supplies.
Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/13/nigeriens-frustrated-by-ongoing-fuel-shortage/
