The Republic of Niger has introduced an overnight curfew on the sale of petrol to manage ongoing supply shortages. Authorities prohibited sales of the fuel between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This measure applies to all retail outlets across the country. The government mandate restricts access to petrol during these hours as officials attempt to regulate distribution. Local retailers must adhere to the new schedule, which went into effect immediately to address the current market conditions. Fuel stations are required to remain closed to customers throughout the specified overnight period.
New Restrictions on Fuel Sales
Authorities have expanded the regulatory framework by prohibiting the sale of fuel in jerry cans in any area containing at least one petrol station. This measure aims to restrict the informal distribution of fuel products during the current supply constraints. The Nigerien Petroleum Company (Sonidep) and other suppliers intend to use the overnight curfew hours to restock fuel supplies at retail locations across the country. The curfew is specifically intended to allow suppliers, including the Nigerien Petroleum Company (Sonidep), to facilitate the replenishment of fuel stocks at retail sites. By clearing the stations of customers during these hours, the Nigerien Petroleum Company (Sonidep) aims to ensure that delivery trucks can access pumps and underground tanks without the interference of retail operations.
The impact of these restrictions on the transport sector has been significant for local operators. Moussa Idé Boubacar, a taxi driver, described the financial strain caused by the current market conditions. Taxi drivers report a daily revenue of approximately 20,000, with 8,000 allocated for payments and 12,000 for fuel. "Normally, we generate revenue of around 20,000 a day, of which 8,000 is for payments and 12,000 is for fuel. With this shortage, we’ve had some management issues," Moussa Idé Boubacar said.
Ganda Sanda, the secretary-general of Synctaxi, indicated that the combination of the jerry can prohibition and the overnight curfew creates operational obstacles for drivers. According to Ganda Sanda, "To obtain fuel, you need authorisation. The petrol station must be open around the clock."
Concerns remain regarding the feasibility of these measures for the transport industry. Ganda Sanda has formally requested that local authorities review the current policy. "We are appealing to the governorate and the governor as well to reconsider because it does not suit us," Ganda Sanda stated. The government maintains that the restrictions are necessary to manage the distribution of available fuel stocks effectively.
