Niger’s government has restricted petrol sales between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. nationwide, except at designated stations, as authorities seek to replenish supplies amid a fuel shortage.
Under the directive, filling stations are prohibited from selling petrol during the restricted hours to enable suppliers, including the Nigerien Petroleum Company (Sonidep), to restock.
The government said the temporary measure was intended to improve operations while ensuring fuel deliveries and availability.
However, the restriction and ongoing shortage have disrupted livelihoods, particularly among taxi drivers struggling to meet their daily expenses.
Moussa Idé Boubacar, a taxi driver in Niamey, disclosed that he had been unable to meet his daily payments 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 explained.
As the shortage spread, motorists faced increasingly long queues at filling stations.
Residents in the capital, Niamey, and elsewhere reported disruptions to daily life, including difficulties getting to work and carrying out their activities.
The taxi union, Synctaxi, has called on the authorities to relax the restriction for operators struggling to make ends meet.
The union’s Secretary-General, Ganda Sanda, highlighted the difficulties motorists face in obtaining fuel, noting that authorisation was required.
“To obtain fuel, you need authorisation. The petrol station must be open around the clock,” he stressed.
Sanda appealed to the authorities to reconsider the measure, describing it as unsuitable for taxi operators.
“We are appealing to the governorate and the governor as well to reconsider because it does not suit us,” he urged.
He emphasised the importance of the transport sector to the country’s development, saying it “makes a significant contribution to the country’s development.”
In addition to the night-time restriction, the sale of fuel in jerry cans outside filling stations has been prohibited in areas with at least one petrol station.
The authorities have urged Nigeriens to show “understanding and civic-mindedness,” maintaining that the measures were intended to improve fuel supply.
African News
