- Fuel scarcity may have become an annual occurrence for Nigerians as hardly any year goes by without experiencing it
- As the price of fuel goes up and its availability reduces, the price of goods and services also increases
- Here are some practical tips to keep you sane in times of fuel scarcity
Fuel scarcity is a common problem in this part of the world, and for Nigerians, experiencing it is not a one-time occurrence but a reality many of us have faced multiple times in our lifetime. Hardly a year goes by without experiencing it.
One day, you're cruising down the road, and the next, you're in the queue for hours at a fuel station and you watch the queues grow each passing day.
Fuel scarcity doesn’t just impact car owners. It affects almost everything; transportation, electricity, food prices, and even basic commodities.
So, how do we manage daily life when fuel becomes scarce? Here are a few tips on how to survive.
8 tips to survive fuel scarcity in Nigeria
Carpooling and Ride-Sharing
One of the easiest ways to manage your fuel supply is to share rides with friends, colleagues, or neighbours. It’s not always ideal, especially if you’re used to the freedom of driving alone. But desperate times call for shared rides. If you’re all heading towards the same direction, why burn extra fuel on multiple cars?
Apps like Uber and Bolt are helpful, but even simpler, agreeing to take turns driving to work or the market among friends or neighbours can make a big difference.
Use public transport
Moving around using buses, bikes, cabs and keke can save a significant amount of fuel. When there is fuel scarcity, switching to public transport can help you save money. It might be less comfortable, but it’s cost-effective.
Plan your movements well
One of the best ways to save fuel is by reducing unnecessary trips. During fuel scarcity, planning is important. Combine errands, don’t drive to the market one day and the bank the next day. Group your outings into one day so that you're covering everything in one trip. Also, avoid peak traffic hours. The last thing you need is to be stuck in traffic, burning fuel for hours.
Buy fuel in bulk if you can
When fuel is available, don’t just fill up your car, fill up your extra jerry cans too. Having a small reserve at home can save you from being stranded when fuel becomes unavailable or too expensive. Although, storing fuel at home comes with risks, so make sure you’re storing it safely in well-ventilated and secure areas.
Explore alternative power sources
One of the hardest parts of fuel scarcity is the increased cost of having a constant power supply. When there’s no fuel, running generators becomes expensive. It might be the perfect time to invest in a small solar inverter system, rechargeable lamps, or power banks.
Reducing your dependence on generators is important. This means cutting down on electricity use, like switching off unnecessary lights and appliances.
Embrace the Nigerian hustle mentality
Fuel scarcity hits everyone differently, but Nigerians know how to hustle. Even if it means waking up at 5 a.m. to be the first at the petrol station, or going to the next town to get cheaper fuel. You have to be able to adapt quickly and work around the situation.
Work from home if possible
With remote working becoming more common in Nigeria, fuel scarcity is the perfect time to take advantage of the work-from-home option. If your job allows it, try negotiating flexible hours or remote working arrangements. This will help you save on fuel and reduce the stress of commuting.
Prepare for price inflation in goods and services
Fuel scarcity doesn’t just affect your car and your power supply, it also impacts the prices of goods and services. From food to transport fares, the price of everything skyrockets. The effect of scarcity affects the middle and lower classes more. If you can afford it, try stocking up on essentials before prices skyrocket.
Fuel scarcity is an unfortunate but frequent part of life in Nigeria. It impacts our daily routines, forces us to manage our resources, and adds more stress to an already challenging environment. However, by being resourceful the impact on our daily lives can be minimised.
Nigeria's Petroleum minister confirms when fuel supplies will normalise
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, said that Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, would be available by the weekend.
The minister stated this following a meeting on Thursday, September 5, at the State House with the Vice President, Kahim Shettima, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, and the Executive Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mugo Okuoha.