Fuel queues to linger until next week

Queues are filling stations are set to continue until next week, because the oil marketers remain apprehensive about opening for business.

According to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the decision to close shop was because of the ongoing protests.

They, however, told Punch that the queues would clear out next week, stressing that it would be so risky to open filling stations, particularly in locations where the protests had been violent.

Nigerians commenced nationwide protests on August 1, 2024, as the organisers of the exercise declared that it would continue till August 10, 2024.

Responding to a question on why the queues for petrol have failed to clear in many locations despite the recent slowdown in the protests, the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, said, “The protest is still ongoing, so filling stations and trucks are not functioning optimally. This is because of the fear of attacks on our stations by protesters.

“During the ENDSARS protest, the businesses of oil marketers were attacked and destroyed and the government did not pay any compensation for it. Trucks that were carrying petrol and diesel were burnt in the Warri, Enugu, Sapele, and some other axes, and the government did not pay any compensation.

“So we are being very careful now. I also told you earlier that the security agencies had advised us not to attract protesters to our stations when these stations are opened. We thought the protests wouldn’t last and we asked our people to go and work, but unfortunately, with the way things are moving, we have to wait till the end of the protest.

“That is the reason why you see many stations are still closed, particularly in locations where the protests were violent. So we urge the protesters to calm down, they have made their mark and the government now understands the plights of the Nigerian people better.”