The Nigerian government has claimed that fuel is available nationwide despite an ongoing scarcity that has led Nigerians to endure long queues and sudden pump price increases.

Amid prolonged fuel scarcity that Nigerians have suffered and groaned over for weeks, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on Monday raised the pump price from N680 to N855, prompting other petrol stations to jack up their prices.

“The important thing is, the product is available in the country. We believe between now and the weekend, the product will be available in the length and breadth of the country,” Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum, said on Thursday.

While Mr Lokpobiri refrained from commenting on the recent price increase, he noted that Nigerians would need to purchase fuel at higher rates until the market stabilises.

“The price could be higher in some areas, much more higher in some areas than in other locations, but we believe that by the time we have the product across the country, the price will stabilise. What is important is that the government is not fixing the price. This sector has been deregulated,” said Mr Lokpobiri.

Mr Lokpobiri made this statement on Thursday while speaking with journalists after meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima. He explained that his meeting with Mr Shettima was summoned by President Bola Tinubu.

“President Tinubu is empathetic about what is happening in the country. He is concerned about the hardship of Nigerians; that’s why he called the Vice President to hold this meeting for us to reflect on what is going on in the country,” Mr Lokpobiri said.

Since Monday, Nigerians have been paying between N855 and N1,000 per litre for petrol, and transportation costs have surged across the nation.