The Republic of Niger has imposed an overnight restriction on petrol sales across the country, except at designated stations, as authorities seek to address a nationwide fuel shortage.
Under the temporary measure, marketers are prohibited from selling petrol between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., allowing suppliers, including the Nigerien Petroleum Company, Sonidep, to replenish station stocks.
Authorities said the restriction was intended to improve distribution operations, ensure deliveries and restore petrol availability.
However, the measure has added to difficulties facing commercial drivers, while motorists continue to endure increasingly long queues at filling stations.
Residents of the capital, Niamey, and other parts of the country said the shortage was disrupting daily activities and making travel to work more difficult.
Taxi driver Moussa Idé Boubacar said he had been unable to meet his payments for two days because of the supply difficulties.
“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.
The taxi union, Synctaxi, has urged authorities to relax the overnight restriction for operators struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
Its Secretary-General, Ganda Sanda, called for round-the-clock access to petrol stations, saying the current arrangements did not meet transport operators’ needs.
“To obtain fuel, you need authorisation. The petrol station must be open around the clock,” he said.
“We are appealing to the governorate and the governor as well to reconsider because it does not suit us.”
Sanda said the authorities should take account of the transport sector’s significant contribution to national development when reviewing the measures.
Alongside the overnight sales restriction, the government has prohibited the sale of fuel in jerry cans outside stations in areas served by at least one petrol station.
Authorities appealed to residents for understanding and civic-mindedness, maintaining that the temporary measures were designed to improve supply.