Embarrassing kerosene scarcity

For sometime now, Nigerians have been wondering the reason for the continuing scarcity of kerosene across the length and breadth of the country. Undoubtedly, very many people are at crossroads knowing why this staple product used by many Nigerians for cooking has become so scarce that many filling stations no longer have them in stock.

Unfortunately, it has now become daily routine for women and children to go in search of where to purchase the product before attending to other chores. Incidentally, the unsavoury state of affairs has forced many households into resorting to firewood and charcoal for cooking in spite of the health and environmental hazards they pose.  Investigations reveal that a gallon of kerosene  (four litre) now sells for N1, 200. Even at that, there are also reports of adulteration of kerosene, a dangerous and sometimes explosive mix capable of causing destruction to properties and human beings. Painfully, Kerosene scarcity should be an embarrassment in Nigeria, the world’s sixth largest exporter of crude oil.

Observers attribute the continuing scarcity to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which remains the sole importer of kerosene into the country.  In addition, independent marketers also blame the lack of foreign exchange for the continuing scarcity, even as they bemoan the expenses incurred which makes it uneconomical to sell at loss.  Incidentally, many Nigerians blame the development to the diversion of kerosene to neighbouring countries, and sharp practices by middlemen. Before now, the government claimed it subsidised kerosene.
However, that did not stop the price of kerosene from sharply increasing. Today, Nigerians are groaning under the excruciating pains caused by the biting scarcity, which has worsened their already depreciating purchasing power. We are deeply worried that this is happening in a leading oil-producing nation like Nigeria. Nevertheless, we are yet to see any concrete action on the part of government to find a lasting to the prevailing scarcity.
In addition, it should endeavour to put to optimal use the nation’s existing four refineries. It is a shame that a major oil producing country like Nigeria should continue to import kerosene from other countries.
Apart from ending its scarcity in the country, Nigeria should be able to export the product to other neighbouring countries in the West African sub-region and generate more revenue. It will be recalled that on Jan. 24, the Federal Government hiked the price of Kerosene to N83 per litre from N50 per litre, in order to end subsidy on the product. Incidentally, that policy is having no effect on the erratic supply of kerosene.
For long, we have been advocating the development of alternative energy sources in order to ameliorate such distressing situation.
It is therefore high time the government revived the coal industry, which has for decades been lying fallow in the southeastern part of the country for lack of investment. This in many ways will serve as alternative energy source for Nigerians. The government should also encourage other alternative energy sources for domestic use-like biogas, solar energy and bio-fuel alternatives that are suitable to the Nigerian environment.