A major petrol shortage that troubled Niger for nearly two months is finally improving, thanks to urgent help from Nigeria. The crisis had caused long queues at fuel stations, high black market prices, and severe disruptions in daily life. While Nigeria’s intervention has provided relief, it also highlights Niger’s ongoing struggles with fuel supply.
Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, depends heavily on imported fuel. The crisis started in late January 2025 when maintenance issues at Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery slowed down fuel deliveries through a key pipeline. Security threats along the Niger-Nigeria border, linked to Boko Haram attacks, made matters worse. By February, petrol stations in cities like Niamey, Maradi, and Zinder had run dry. On the black market, prices jumped to 1,500 CFA francs per litre more than double the official price of 600 CFA francs. Public transport stopped, businesses shut down, and even hospitals struggled to operate.
With growing pressure, Niger’s government, led by President Abdourahamane Tchiani, turned to Nigeria for help. On March 15, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu approved the supply of 1.2 million litres of petrol. Tankers started arriving in Niamey on March 18, bringing down prices to 750 CFA francs per litre and restoring some normalcy. “I can finally work again,” said Aissatou Diallo, a taxi driver in Niamey. “The past weeks were unbearable.”
Despite this relief, experts warn that Niger remains vulnerable. The country has no refineries or fuel reserves, meaning it will always rely on imports. Some suggest investing in solar energy as a long-term solution, given Niger’s abundant sunlight. The crisis also shows the challenges Niger faces after its 2023 coup and ongoing security threats in the Sahel region.
For now, life is returning to normal, but many believe Niger must find lasting energy solutions to avoid another crisis.
