A deepening fuel shortage in Niger is disrupting everyday life, with long queues forming at petrol stations and commuters struggling to refuel. The crisis has spread across five of the country’s eight regions, with southern areas near the Nigerian border among the most affected.
This story is written and edited by Global South World
Footage from Zinder on Monday, April 6, showed lines of tricycles and motorcycles waiting for fuel. Residents said the situation is becoming increasingly difficult, with many forced to wait for hours and sometimes leaving without fuel. Some reported that stations run dry before they are served, while others are turned away due to closing times or equipment issues.
Local reports said rationing measures now limit drivers to 20 to 30 litres per car and 5 to 10 litres for tricycles, while essential service vehicles are being prioritised. Commuters voiced frustration that shortages were hitting an oil-producing country that also refines fuel in Zinder.
The crisis comes as global oil prices rise following disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Although Niger has produced oil since 2011 and the Zinder refinery supplies about 1.1 million litres a day, demand has outstripped supply. The pressure has also been worsened by higher fuel prices in neighbouring Nigeria, which have reduced the flow of smuggled fuel that many communities in southern Niger have long relied on.
This article was originally published by Global South World and is republished here with permission. View the original article.
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