To tackle a nationwide petrol scarcity, the government of Niger has introduced an overnight restriction on fuel sales across the country, allowing only select service stations to operate during these hours.
Starting this week, petrol stations are prohibited from selling fuel between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Officials stated that this temporary restriction is intended to assist suppliers, such as the Nigerien Petroleum Company (Sonidep), in restocking facilities and to ensure smoother distribution and steady delivery of petrol during the shortage.
Despite the government’s intentions, the restriction has placed a heavy strain on local workers, including taxi drivers. Driver Moussa Idé Boubacar shared that he has been unable to meet his daily payment obligations for two days.
“Normally, we generate revenue of around 20,000 a day, of which 8,000 is for payments and 12,000 is for fuel. With this shortage, we’ve had some management issues,” he said.
As fuel supplies dwindle, motorists across the country continue to wait in long queues at filling stations. Residents in Niamey, the nation’s capital, and surrounding areas report that the ongoing crisis is severely impacting daily routines, commuting, and general business activities.
In response to these challenges, Synctaxi, the national taxi drivers’ union, is urging officials to ease the restriction for commercial transport operators who are struggling to maintain their livelihoods.
“To obtain fuel, you need authorisation. The petrol station must be open around the clock,” said it secretary-general, Ganda Sanda.
“We are appealing to the governorate and the governor as well to reconsider because it does not suit us,” he said.
Sanda added that the union wanted to draw the authorities’ attention to the fact that the transport sector “makes a significant contribution to the country’s development”.
Alongside the sales curfew, authorities have banned the sale of fuel in jerry cans outside of official stations in any area that has at least one operating petrol station. Government representatives have asked the public for “understanding and civic-mindedness” as they work to restore regular fuel supplies across the nation.
