Fuel scarcity is a situation where there is insufficiency of fuel thereby leading to an increase in the little available. Fuel scarcity is gradually becoming a daily occurrence in Nigeria especially during festive periods. Over the past few years in Nigeria, There has been the scarcity of fuel during December and January festivities.

The adverse effect of fuel scarcity is concomitant as it affects every sector of the economy. The increase in the price of oil products will affect the standard of living, cost of transportation, traffic congestion, increase in corruption, increase in production to mention but a few.

One of the new found causes of corruption and economic bankruptcy in Nigeria is fuel scarcity. Every activity carried out when there is unavailability of fuel is corrupt or revolves around corruption. This can be explained further thus: the few filling stations during this period will deliberately hoard their fuel so as to sell later at a higher price. This cause long queue at filling station as everyone struggles for fuel.

It's a known fact that most Nigerian businesses depend on power supply to operate successfully but have to revert to generators for their electricity. This is due to the epileptic power supply situation in the country and it is felt most when there is scarcity of fuel. Generators run on petrol and once there's a shortage, businesses are affected and can't run efficiently. Most businesses go as far as downsizing the number of staff so as to meet up with the situation on ground. In addition to this, most homes, churches and public gatherings are also left in darkness.

The numerous queues at filling stations affect the free flow of traffic all over the country as most motorists line up on major roads in Nigeria. This grossly affects movement and businesses.

There is an astronomical increase in the cost of transportation. When fuel is sold at a high rate, motorists have no choice but to inflate the cost of transportation. Cost of feeding is on the high. Traders will lament on the stress they had to go through to get foodstuff to sell.

In all of this, it is a shame that Nigeria at this stage is still going through this. Nigeria is blessed with oil and the nation is one of the world’s largest exporter of oil. Why then is there fuel scarcity? What is wrong with our refineries? Why is this becoming a norm in Nigeria? Is this a deliberate act by some cabals in the country to make more profits and suffer Nigerians? Only time will tell, but how much time do we have?

                                                  By Daniel Nja