By: Pentho Goldmark Motorists in Akure, Ondo State, were left stranded on Tuesday as long queues formed at filling stations amid growing fea...
By: Pentho Goldmark
Motorists in Akure, Ondo State, were left stranded on Tuesday as long queues formed at filling stations amid growing fears of a fresh fuel scarcity.
The situation worsened when several stations, despite having fuel in stock, shut their gates, sparking panic buying across the city and surrounding areas.
The tension follows a dispute between tanker drivers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Tanker operators have threatened to halt fuel loading over the refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct distribution — a move the drivers say threatens their livelihoods.
Some oil marketers had earlier warned of a nationwide withdrawal of services starting Tuesday, September 9, 2025, if the federal government did not intervene.
In Akure, heavy gridlock was reported along Oba Adesida Road, where motorists lined up at the few operational stations. The NNPC outlet in Shagari Village saw massive crowds and severe traffic congestion, while stations like Optima and MRS locked their gates against desperate buyers. Other major stations at Oke Aro, Oke Ijebu, Oba Ile, Ilesha Garage, Shagari/Express Road, and Lafe also shut down.
At Bovas Filling Station on Oke Ijebu Road, customers were turned away as attendants closed the entrance. Some motorists blamed panic buying for the rush. A commercial driver, Tayo, said, “I rushed down to buy fuel because I heard there will be scarcity starting from today. You can see how people are rushing to get the product.”
The scarcity has also driven up transport fares. Passenger Mrs. Grace Abimbola lamented, “A drop that normally costs ₦200 was charged at ₦250 today because of the shortage.”
A station attendant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added, “We were told not to sell fuel today by our boss. Although we still have some in stock, we are only following instructions.”
With stations closed and queues mounting, residents fear the crisis may worsen if the standoff between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery continues.
Photo credit: The Nation
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