The fuel crisis in Niger Republic reached critical levels last week, with reports indicating that petrol prices skyrocketed in various regions. In some remote areas, a liter of petrol was reportedly sold for as much as N8,000.
Abuja, Nigeria – Despite ongoing diplomatic strains, Niger Republic has turned to Nigeria for assistance in addressing a severe fuel crisis that has gripped the country. A high-level delegation from Niger’s military government recently visited Abuja to negotiate a fuel supply arrangement.
Reliable sources revealed that the Nigerian government approved the supply of 300 tankers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to its northern neighbor. A government insider disclosed that the decision was strategically aimed at fostering dialogue and influencing Niger’s possible reintegration into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Fuel Shortage Escalates in Niger Republic
The fuel crisis in Niger reached critical levels last week, with reports indicating that petrol prices skyrocketed in various regions. In some remote areas, a liter of petrol was reportedly sold for as much as N8,000.
A businessman familiar with the transborder trade highlighted the disparity in fuel prices across different locations. He noted that in Konni, a border town near Nigeria, petrol costs approximately 1,200 CFA (N2,500 per liter). However, in Agadez, the price surges to 3,000 CFA (N7,500 per liter), while in Arlit, near the Algeria-Niger border, it reaches 3,500 CFA (N8,750 per liter).
An immigration official in Nigeria, speaking anonymously, confirmed the movement of petrol-laden trucks toward the Nigerien border, corroborating reports of Nigeria’s intervention.
Dispute with China and Oil Sector Collapse
Niger’s fuel crisis is largely attributed to a standoff between the ruling military junta and Chinese oil companies, which have historically dominated the nation’s petroleum sector. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, tensions escalated in March 2024 after the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) extended a $400 million advance to the Nigerien government, using future crude oil deliveries as collateral.
However, Niger struggled to repay the debt. Instead of negotiating new terms, the junta imposed an $80 billion tax demand on Soraz, a Chinese-operated refinery, despite the state-owned Sonidep already owing Soraz an estimated $250 billion.
In retaliation for CNPC’s refusal to grant additional financial assistance, the Nigerien government expelled Chinese oil executives and seized Soraz’s bank accounts. This move led to a collapse in local fuel production, plunging the country into an acute energy crisis.
Maazou Aboubacar, the Commercial Director of Niger’s state-owned petroleum firm Sonidep, acknowledged the refinery’s inability to meet domestic demand. He revealed that Soraz only supplies 25 tanker trucks of petrol daily, whereas the country’s consumption needs are nearly double that figure.
Nigeria Steps In Despite Strained Relations
Relations between Nigeria and Niger have remained tense since the military coup in Niamey in 2023. The junta’s leader, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has previously accused Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize Niger through alleged terrorist networks—an accusation that Nigeria firmly denied.
Earlier this year, Niger reportedly barred some Nigerian citizens from entering its territory due to their ECOWAS affiliations. Despite these hostilities, Nigeria proceeded with fuel deliveries to ease Niger’s crisis.
Counter-insurgency expert Makama, who shared footage of fuel trucks crossing the border, claimed that the Nigerien government had deliberately omitted Nigeria’s involvement in resolving the crisis. “State-controlled media in Niger have not credited Nigeria for the fuel supply, instead portraying the development as a result of internal government efforts,” he stated.
Nigeria Exports 13.5 Million Liters of Fuel
Oil industry insiders estimate that the approved 300 tanker trucks equate to approximately 13.5 million liters of petrol. Independent marketers affirmed that Nigeria has sufficient fuel reserves to meet local demand while assisting its neighbor.
Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed awareness of Niger’s fuel crisis and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to provide support. “With the refineries operating in the country, we have the resources to assist Niger,” he stated.
Similarly, Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, agreed that Nigeria’s fuel supply was stable enough to accommodate the export. “If there is a diplomatic reason for this support, then it is feasible,” he added.
Although the Nigerian government has remained tight-lipped on the details of the arrangement, analysts suggest that the move serves as both humanitarian aid and a strategic tool for regional diplomacy.
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