The fuel crisis plaguing Nigeria has driven desperate citizens to risky measures as petrol peddlers take to the streets, despite legal repercussions.

With fuel stations shuttered and queues stretching for hours, many turn to street vendors offering petrol at exorbitant prices.

Recently, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised the price of petrol to ₦897 per litre, exacerbating the scarcity.

This move intensified the demand and created an opportunity for illegal street sales, where a five-litre container can fetch ₦5,000, more than double the regulated price.

In response to the growing problem, the Lagos State Government’s Task Force took action on Friday, September 6, 2024, apprehending six individuals across locations like Fadeyi, Maryland, Charity Bus Stop, and Airport Road.

These individuals were caught selling petrol without proper licensing, an act condemned by CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the agency leading the operation.

Akerele emphasized the dangers posed by unregulated fuel sales, citing potential disasters from improper handling and storage.

He stressed that such activities not only exploit public desperation but also endanger public safety.

Under Nigerian law, Section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act strictly prohibits the hawking and selling of petroleum products without appropriate licensing.

The legislation mandates severe penalties, including imprisonment for life upon conviction, along with the forfeiture of any vehicles or other conveyances used in these illegal transactions.

Despite the ongoing fuel scarcity, authorities underscore that obtaining and selling petrol without a license remains unlawful and punishable.

This crackdown serves as a stark reminder to potential offenders that shortcuts in addressing the crisis can lead to serious legal consequences.

As the fuel crisis persists, authorities urge citizens to remain patient and compliant with legal avenues for obtaining petroleum products, emphasizing that public safety and adherence to regulations must prevail in these challenging times.