The hunger protest that commenced on Thursday resulted in a suspension of petrol loading at the Lagos depots, leading to a continued fuel scarcity. Reports indicate that the depot owners declined to operate due to apprehensions of violence.

It is worth noting that the fuel shortage began last weekend in Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Niger, and other states, causing petrol prices to soar to approximately N1,000 per liter. Subsequently, black marketeers have exploited the situation, selling a liter for as high as N1,300 in certain areas. Our source revealed that the depots were depleting by Sunday as vessels were unable to discharge fuel.

By Wednesday, it was observed that fuel vessels were arriving consecutively to unload petrol. Operators informed our source that more vessels needed to dock at the ports until the weekend to ensure the distribution of premium motor spirit nationwide.

Nevertheless, with the protest commencing on Thursday, the depot owners purportedly declined to load the product due to security concerns.

An operator, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers were prepared to assist in fuel loading, but the depot owners were unwilling to take any risks.

Activities at the Lagos depots were suspended on Thursday and Friday for two primary reasons. Firstly, there is an ongoing shortage of the product, and secondly, there are security concerns on the roads following loading operations due to protests against hardship.

A source indicated, "NUPENG is prepared to assist depots with loading; however, the security situation poses a significant challenge. If conditions improve later today, loading may resume tomorrow." Tanker drivers previously informed our correspondent that they would persist in loading fuel despite the protests.

Yusuf Othman, President of the National Association of Transport Owners, stated in an interview that he has instructed association members to continue fuel transportation while exercising caution. He emphasized that NARTO will not participate in the planned protest and will maintain its operations.

"NARTO does not support this planned protest and will not engage in it. We have advised our members to carry on with their work. No one should halt their operations, as any decline in business will lead to increased scarcity, which we aim to avoid. It is crucial that we continue to provide services to ensure fuel distribution across the nation. We have encouraged our members to maintain their efforts while remaining vigilant," Othman remarked.

He expressed unawareness of any members ceasing operations, stating, "I am not aware of that. How did you manage to speak with some of them? I am currently operating. At this moment, I have ten trucks being loaded. If I am doing this, others will likely follow suit, as there are no issues; fuel will continue to be circulated. We face no problems. This situation will eventually pass, but we will persist in our business."