Nigeria: Fuel shortages possible nationwide through end of March due to supply disruptions /update 2

Event

Fuel shortages are possible nationwide through the end of March due to recent supply disruptions. Supply disruptions have caused spikes in prices, reaching more than the N148 per liter regulated price, and increased demand at fuel stations. The most affected areas include major urban centers such as Abuja and Lagos. In addition, the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine have disrupted cargo ships in the Black Sea, further impacting Nigeria's oil distribution.

Queues at fuel stations will likely persist; public transportation services might be affected. Related protests denouncing the situation remain possible, notably if fuel shortage, high prices, and delays at gas stations persist; participants could block major road routes. Various transport associations and civil society groups have threatened to embark in strike actions and nationwide protests.

Context

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) initially announced Feb. 8 that authorities were forced to remove newly imported stocks due to an unsafe quantity of methanol discovered.

Advice

Plan for possible fuel shortages and queues at gas stations. Confirm all ground transport services before travel. Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Heed all advice of security personnel.