LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a country where fuel scarcity has become a recurring challenge, Nigerians continue to grapple with inconsistent petrol supplies and escalating prices.
The fuel crisis, which has been lingering for months, took an unusual turn recently, as hawkers along Lagos’ Mile 2-Apapa expressway now sell petrol at cheaper rates than many official filling stations.
A Vanguard investigation revealed that while independent marketers are dispensing petrol at between ₦1,070 and ₦1,400 per litre at their stations, hawkers—colloquially known as “black market sellers”—offer the same product for ₦1,000 per litre, usually sold in white plastic gallons.
The irony of these informal traders offering cheaper fuel than licensed stations highlights the stark realities of Nigeria’s fuel distribution problems, leading some to question the supply chain integrity.
Hawkers’ Uninterrupted Supply
Despite the official fuel shortages that often leave motorists stranded at filling stations, petrol hawkers seem to have a reliable and constant source of supply.
Their presence has become a lifeline for many Lagos drivers, especially those stuck in gridlock along the notorious Mile 2-Apapa expressway, a route infamous for its heavy traffic and logistical bottlenecks.
“Fuel scarcity has become part of our reality,” said Chidi Okeke, a Lagos-based motorist. “But now, even during the scarcity, I can always find fuel on the street.”
The investigative report suggests that tanker drivers are primarily responsible for the hawkers’ uninterrupted supply.
Under the cover of night, some tanker operators reportedly siphon petrol from their loads and sell it to these hawkers at discounted rates, creating an informal economy in which petrol is distributed outside official channels.
Although none of the hawkers interviewed were willing to disclose their suppliers, local sources confirmed that the relationship between tanker drivers and street traders is longstanding.
“At night, you can see the drivers selling fuel to the hawkers. They know each other well. This is a coded business,” explained a local resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Tanker Drivers and Black Market Sales
Tanker drivers play a critical role in the fuel distribution network, transporting petrol from depots to filling stations across the country.
However, with Nigeria’s petroleum sector plagued by inefficiencies and corruption, some drivers have found lucrative opportunities in diverting portions of their cargo to the black market.
This illicit practice not only deprives official distributors of revenue but also exacerbates the fuel shortage crisis by limiting the supply available at filling stations.
A man operating near the Mile 2-Apapa expressway described the scene: “You should come around here at night. The kind of money that changes hands is unbelievable. The drivers know who to sell to, and they make sure to keep their business running smoothly.”
This hidden economy is fueled by desperation, as motorists stranded on the roads are willing to pay a premium for petrol from hawkers.
Even at ₦1,000 per litre, which is cheaper than the prices at some filling stations, the cost remains higher than the government-regulated rate.
The official pump price of petrol had been expected to stabilize following the removal of fuel subsidies earlier this year, but it has instead continued to rise, creating a ripple effect across the economy.
Motorists Turn to Hawkers as ‘God-Sent’ Saviors
For many Lagos residents, the black market has become an unfortunate necessity, especially for those caught in the city’s infamous traffic jams.
Emmanuel Adigwe, a banker who works in Lekki, shared his experience of being saved by these hawkers when his car ran out of fuel in the middle of a traffic jam along the Mile-2 expressway.
“I had been watching my fuel gauge all the way from work, hoping to find a station that still had fuel,” he explained. “When my car finally stopped at around 8:30 p.m., I thought I was doomed.”
Thankfully, Adigwe was able to buy petrol from hawkers nearby, paying ₦1,000 per litre for enough fuel to get him home. “I was willing to pay even more because I was stuck and needed the fuel urgently,” he added.
Stories like Adigwe’s have become common, with many motorists turning to hawkers as a last resort. While these black market traders offer a solution to Nigeria’s fuel crisis, their business comes at a price—both figuratively and literally.
Independent Marketers Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, independent marketers—who control many of the country’s filling stations—have come under scrutiny for their role in the ongoing crisis.
Many of these stations have been accused of hoarding fuel to drive up prices, exacerbating the shortage in hopes of profiting from the desperation of motorists.
A closer examination of the situation reveals that independent marketers, rather than major distributors such as Mobil, Total, Ardova Plc, MRS, and Eternal, are often the ones dispensing fuel at the highest prices, sometimes reaching as much as ₦1,400 per litre.
This is a significant mark-up from the average market price and far beyond what most Nigerians can afford.
The disparity between the prices offered by hawkers and those charged by independent marketers has raised questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s fuel distribution system.
While the major distributors are largely able to maintain lower prices at their stations, independent marketers claim that logistical challenges, increased import costs, and fluctuating currency exchange rates have forced them to raise their prices.
The Government’s Role and Public Outcry
The ongoing fuel crisis has led to widespread public dissatisfaction with the Nigerian government’s handling of the situation.
In recent months, the government’s removal of fuel subsidies, initially hailed as a move to liberalize the sector and encourage competition, has instead led to price volatility and unpredictable supply.
Critics argue that the government’s failure to effectively regulate the petrol distribution network, coupled with the presence of black market sellers, has deepened the crisis.
“The fuel subsidy removal was supposed to stabilize the market, but all we’ve seen is more chaos,” said energy analyst Olumide Ojo.
With prices continuing to rise and shortages persisting, Nigerians are calling for greater transparency and reform in the petroleum sector.
Motorists, traders, and commuters alike have expressed frustration with the government’s inability to address the root causes of the fuel crisis, including corruption within the supply chain.
Looking Ahead: No End in Sight
As the situation drags on, it seems Nigerians may not see the end of the current fuel scarcity anytime soon. With black market traders thriving and independent marketers continuing to inflate prices, the country’s fuel crisis remains far from resolved.
In the meantime, the Mile 2-Apapa expressway and similar hotspots across Lagos will continue to be hubs of this underground fuel economy, as tanker drivers and hawkers make the most of the scarcity.
Motorists, stranded and desperate, will keep relying on these informal traders for the petrol they need—at a price.
