“Petrol Marketers Cry Out: ‘Ghost Buying’ Turns Nigerian Filling Stations into Empty Lots as Fuel Crisis Bites”

In a sudden shift emblematic of Nigeria’s deepening economic strain, petrol marketers across the country are reporting a drastic reduction in fuel sales, turning filling stations nationwide into virtual ghost towns. The startling development was highlighted by Nigerian Stories on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where they announced that petrol marketers are lamenting an unprecedented phenomenon now dubbed “ghost buying.”

In the wake of skyrocketing fuel prices, an increasing number of middle-class Nigerians are abandoning their private cars, opting instead for public transportation to ease the burden on their wallets. This choice, driven by economic necessity, has seen once-bustling filling stations become desolate as car owners steer clear of refueling, leaving the pumps idle and marketers facing dwindling revenue.

Petrol marketers are sounding the alarm, describing the impact as devastating not only for their business but for the larger economy, which relies on consistent transportation activity to thrive. “Many stations are struggling to make ends meet. With the middle class now largely opting out of purchasing fuel, our sales have plummeted,” one marketer shared. This decline comes as inflation, coupled with global oil price volatility, exacerbates the financial hardship for millions of Nigerians.

The ripple effects of the shift in consumer behavior are palpable beyond the stations themselves. Public transportation systems are seeing surges in demand, pushing up fares and crowding buses, while car owners lament the luxury of independence that once marked middle-class life.

Nigerians are expressing frustration and fatigue with the unyielding economic pressures, calling on the government for interventions that can stabilize fuel prices and provide relief. Amid these challenges, the specter of “ghost buying” has ignited a wider conversation on the need for lasting solutions to restore stability and safeguard the standard of living for everyday Nigerians.

As this trend gains traction, many are wondering: How long can Nigeria’s fuel-dependent economy bear the strain, and what is the next chapter in this unfolding crisis?