Analysis: Oil-rich Nigeria short on fuel

LAGOS, Nigeria — Fuel shortages will persist in oil-rich Nigeria, with no end in sight, as long as gasoline lines form and refineries slow production.

Funso Kupolokun, group managing director of the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. (NNPC), blamed the long-term problem on the recent cessation of operations in some of the country’s refineries.


Refining of Nigeria’s locally produced and imported oil was hampered earlier this month amid a nationwide strike. Though the work stoppage lasted only four days, the refining industry was hard hit as the process was already suffering due to continuing protests and attacks by militant groups in the Niger Delta, home to the country’s petroleum industry.

The Daily Champion newspaper reported this week that four major refineries operating in the delta – capable of processing 445,000 barrels of crude oil per day – were currently at 15 percent of capacity.

Middle East Times