Northern Nigeria and Abuja may face fuel scarcity following the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which has disrupted the transportation of petroleum products ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The bridge, which collapsed last Wednesday after devastating floods that reportedly claimed at least 153 lives, serves as a critical link between Northern Nigeria and the southwestern part of the country where the Dangote Refinery is located.

Senior officials at MRS and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations in Abuja have expressed concerns that the situation could lead to petroleum product shortages during the upcoming Sallah holidays scheduled for June 6th and 9th.

"Most of the petrol trucks are stranded due to the Mokwa Niger State bridge collapse. Honestly, I foresee fuel scarcity in Abuja and some parts of Northern Nigeria," an anonymous MRS official told DAILY POST. The official added that while they expect the petrol price to remain at N895 per litre during the Sallah break, the disruption has forced trucks to take alternative routes, which are "more expensive and time-consuming."

Industry Stakeholders Divided on Impact

Industry stakeholders have offered differing perspectives on the potential impact of the bridge collapse. Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association (PETROAN), assured that members would ensure adequate supply from alternative sources and routes in Port Harcourt, Rivers, and Delta States.

"One or two companies' experiences in Abuja will not bring scarcity of petrol supply in Abuja and Nigeria. Our members will work with 11 PLC and Matrix to get supply from Port Harcourt, Rivers and Delta states," Gillis-Harry stated, adding that while transportation turnaround time might be affected, there should be no scarcity due to available alternatives.

However, James Tor, National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), offered a more cautious assessment, warning that the bridge collapse could indeed lead to fuel supply shortages in Abuja and northern states.

"The federal government needs to be proactive so that the other route is put into use for free vehicular and human movement across the regions. The Mokwa Bridge collapse will affect the free flow of supply. This will cause shortages. The unfortunate thing is that Salah is around the corner," Tor explained.

The situation is particularly concerning as it comes shortly after NNPCL, Dangote Refinery, and partners announced a reduction in petrol prices to between N875 and N910 per litre in Lagos and Abuja.

The Nigerian government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, as public holidays to mark this year's Eid al-Adha, a period that typically sees increased travel and fuel consumption across the country.

While the death toll from the Mokwa flood remains disputed, with community members suggesting higher figures than the official 153 reported by Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the immediate concern for many Nigerians is now the potential economic impact of the disaster on fuel availability and prices during the upcoming holiday period.