Niger imposes petrol sales curfew amid fuel shortage
The government banned fuel sales between nine at night and six in the morning to allow restocking.
Niger's government has imposed an overnight curfew on petrol sales nationwide, allowing sales only between six in the morning and nine at night. This temporary measure, effective this week, aims to help suppliers like the Nigerien Petroleum Company (Sonidep) restock stations and ensure fuel availability.
Motorists are facing long queues at petrol stations, disrupting daily life and making it difficult to commute to work, according to residents in the capital, Niamey. Taxi drivers, such as Moussa Idé Boubacar, report struggling with payments, with daily revenue of around 20,000 now insufficient to cover 8,000 in payments and 12,000 for fuel.
The taxi union, Synctaxi, has requested the curfew be relaxed for operators facing financial difficulties. The shortage has led to management issues for drivers who normally generate 20,000 per day.
Why it mattersNigeriens are experiencing disruptions to daily life and financial strain due to a countrywide fuel shortage and resulting sales curfew.