Niger has introduced overnight restrictions on petrol sales as a nationwide fuel shortage leaves motorists facing long queues and transport operators struggling to earn a living.
The government has prohibited most petrol stations from selling fuel between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., although designated stations are exempt.
Authorities say the temporary measure will allow fuel suppliers to replenish stocks and improve distribution across the country.
However, the restrictions have raised concerns among taxi drivers and residents who depend on petrol for their daily activities.
According to Africanews, the shortage has disrupted transport services in the capital, Niamey, and other parts of Niger.
Niger introduces overnight petrol sales curfew
The government announced the restrictions as part of efforts to manage the country’s fuel shortage.
Under the new rules, most petrol stations must suspend sales overnight.
However, designated stations can continue operating during the restricted hours.
Authorities say the measure will help suppliers, including the Nigerien Petroleum Company, known as Sonidep, restock petrol stations.
The government hopes the temporary restrictions will improve fuel deliveries and reduce shortages.
Meanwhile, motorists have been waiting in increasingly long queues to purchase petrol.
The shortage has also affected residents trying to reach workplaces, schools and other destinations.
Taxi drivers struggle as fuel shortage continues
Taxi operators are among those most affected by the petrol shortage.
Many drivers depend on daily earnings to cover fuel expenses and vehicle payments.
However, difficulties obtaining petrol have disrupted their operations.
Speaking to Africanews, taxi driver Moussa Idé Boubacar said he had struggled to meet his financial obligations for two days.
He explained that his normal daily revenue was approximately 20,000 CFA francs.
Of that amount, around 8,000 francs went towards payments, while 12,000 francs covered fuel expenses.
However, the shortage has made it difficult to maintain his usual operations.
For drivers who depend on daily income, even a short disruption can create financial pressure.
Taxi union calls for restrictions to be relaxed
Niger’s taxi union, Synctaxi, has urged authorities to reconsider the overnight restrictions.
The union argues that transport operators need reliable access to petrol to continue working.
Its secretary-general, Ganda Sanda, called for measures that would allow taxi drivers to obtain fuel more easily.
According to Africanews, Sanda said operators should be able to access petrol at stations operating around the clock.
He also appealed to regional authorities to reconsider the restrictions.
The union maintains that the transport sector makes an important contribution to Niger’s economy.
Therefore, it believes fuel distribution measures should consider the needs of professional drivers.
Niger bans petrol sales in jerry cans
Alongside the overnight curfew, authorities have introduced additional restrictions on fuel sales.
The government has prohibited the sale of petrol in jerry cans outside petrol stations in areas where at least one station operates.
The measure forms part of the broader effort to regulate fuel distribution during the shortage.
Authorities say the restrictions are intended to improve the availability of petrol.
However, the government has not announced when the measures will be lifted.
Residents have been asked to cooperate while suppliers work to replenish fuel stocks.
Fuel shortage disrupts daily life in Niamey
The shortage has affected more than transport operators.
Residents in Niamey and other parts of Niger have reported difficulties carrying out daily activities.
Long queues at petrol stations have increased the time needed to obtain fuel.
Meanwhile, drivers who cannot find petrol may be unable to operate their vehicles.
This can affect commuters who rely on taxis and other forms of road transport.
Businesses that depend on regular deliveries may also face disruptions if the shortage continues.
However, the full economic impact of the restrictions remains unclear.
Government seeks to restore petrol supplies
Niger’s authorities say the temporary restrictions are necessary to improve fuel availability.
The government has called on residents to show understanding and cooperate with the measures.
Officials maintain that limiting overnight sales will help suppliers organise deliveries and replenish stocks.
However, taxi operators are calling for greater flexibility to protect their livelihoods.
The situation highlights the importance of reliable fuel distribution for transport and everyday economic activity.
For now, motorists across Niger continue to face uncertainty as authorities work to restore petrol supplies.
The government has not provided a timetable for ending the restrictions.