Niger limits nighttime petrol sales as fuel shortage disrupts transport
Designated stations are exempt from the restrictions, while taxi union Synctaxi is urging authorities to ease the rules for operators.
Petrol stations across Niger must suspend sales overnight unless they have been designated as exceptions, the government has announced amid a nationwide fuel shortage. The temporary ban runs from nine at night until six in the morning.
The government said the pause would allow suppliers, including the Nigerien Petroleum Company (Sonidep), to replenish station stocks. Authorities described the restrictions as part of efforts to improve supply and asked the public to cooperate.
Taxi union Synctaxi is seeking an easing of the curfew for its operators. Secretary-general Ganda Sanda said authorization was needed to obtain fuel and urged the governorate and governor to reconsider the restrictions. He argued that stations needed to operate around the clock.
Longer queues have formed as the shortage has widened. People in Niamey and other areas reported difficulties traveling to work and managing everyday activities. Taxi driver Moussa Idé Boubacar said he had been unable to make his payments for two days.
A separate restriction prohibits selling fuel in jerry cans outside stations in any area with at least one petrol station.
