International

13.5 Million Litres of Petrol: Nigeria Offers Lifeline to Crisis-Hit Niger Republic Despite Strained Relations

Published

1 month ago

Mar 16, 2025.

Niger Requests Fuel from Nigeria: Despite diplomatic tensions, Nigeria approves the delivery of 300 petrol trucks to Niger to ease its fuel crisis.
Fuel Crisis Worsens in Niger: Petrol prices soar to ₦8,750 per litre in some regions after a dispute with Chinese oil firms leads to refinery shutdown.
Nigeria’s Strategic Move: Officials say the fuel supply is a bargaining tool to encourage Niger’s return to ECOWAS.

Niger Republic has requested petrol from Nigeria to address a severe fuel shortage despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

A delegation of senior officials from Niger’s military junta recently traveled to Abuja to negotiate with the Nigerian government. Following the discussions, Nigeria approved the delivery of 300 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Niger.

A senior Nigerian government official revealed that the deal is viewed as a strategic move to encourage Niger’s return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Niger reportedly turned to Nigeria after a shutdown of a Chinese-operated refinery disrupted its fuel supply.

“We aim to use this gesture as leverage to bring them back to ECOWAS. They lack the resources to sustain their citizens without external support,” the official explained.

The fuel crisis in Niger has led to skyrocketing prices. In border areas like Konni, a litre of petrol costs 1,200 CFA (about ₦2,500), while prices in more remote areas like Agadez reach 3,500 CFA (about ₦8,750).

The crisis is partly attributed to a dispute between the Nigerien junta and Chinese oil firms. After the China National Petroleum Corporation extended a $400 million loan to Niger in 2024, tensions rose when the junta, unable to repay the debt, imposed an $80 billion tax demand on the Chinese-run Soraz refinery.

This move led to the expulsion of Chinese executives and the seizure of company accounts, causing the refinery to shut down.

FURTHER READING
Tinubu: El-Rufai Is Pained And Frustrated – Shehu Sani
Cable Vandal Electrocuted, Caught With Three Others in Ilara, Epe
FG Appoints New VC for Admiralty University

Despite Niger’s accusations that Nigeria colluded with France to destabilize the country, Nigeria has stepped in to supply 13.5 million litres of petrol. Security experts noted that Niger’s media has downplayed Nigeria’s assistance, while fuel deliveries from Nigeria have eased the crisis.

Niger previously restricted entry to Nigerian citizens holding ECOWAS passports, worsening diplomatic strains.

Niger

Oil marketers confirm that Nigeria, with its operational refineries—including the Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries—can meet Niger’s fuel needs. Industry leaders assert that the supply to Niger will not disrupt local availability.

“If there is a diplomatic reason for the export, it is achievable without affecting Nigeria’s fuel supply,” said Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria.

Click Here For Video of The Week