Panic at the Pumps? Filling Stations Suddenly Shut Down As …

Fresh concerns have emerged across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector as several filling stations reportedly shut their gates amid growing speculation of an impending increase in petrol prices.
A check on Thursday morning revealed that some outlets, including Total and Emedab filling stations, were not dispensing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), sparking fears among motorists and consumers already grappling with fluctuating fuel costs.
The unexpected closures have fueled speculation that marketers may be anticipating another adjustment in pump prices following recent developments in the global oil market.
Reacting to the situation, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, insisted that legitimate fuel retailers have no reason to suspend operations based on price rumours alone.
According to him, price movements can swing in either direction, making it risky for genuine marketers to hold back products in anticipation of a hike. He, however, assured that the association would closely monitor developments surrounding the closures.
The uncertainty comes as global crude oil prices surged after renewed tensions in the Middle East. Oil benchmarks, including Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), jumped by more than four percent after reports that the ceasefire involving the United States and Iran had collapsed.
The spike in crude prices quickly affected Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain, with depot operators reportedly raising diesel and automotive gas oil prices by about three percent, pushing costs to approximately N1,450 per litre.
Despite the anxiety, fuel prices across many filling stations in Abuja and surrounding areas remained unchanged on Thursday, selling between N1,155 and N1,299 per litre.
The latest development follows weeks of declining pump prices, with marketers noting that petrol costs had fallen by as much as N125 per litre in recent weeks.
Adding another twist to the market, Dangote Refinery on Wednesday announced free petrol delivery services in five states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while maintaining its ex-depot price at N1,075 per litre.
With rumours swirling and some stations remaining shut, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the closures signal a looming price adjustment or merely a temporary reaction to market uncertainty.