At least five persons were killed when a tanker ladened with petrol lost control and burst into flames on Sunday afternoon in Delta State.
The recent fuel tanker explosion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, is a chilling reminder of the ongoing dangers associated with fuel transportation in Nigeria, particularly amidst the current economic crisis. In the aftermath of the explosion, residents were seen fleeing for their lives as the flames engulfed the tanker and nearby structures. Emergency responders are set to begin rescue operations to address the destruction and potential casualties.
This explosion follows a string of deadly tanker accidents in Nigeria, such as the one in Jigawa State in October 2024, which claimed the lives of more than 170 people. These tragedies come at a time when petrol has become an increasingly scarce and expensive commodity in Africa's most populous country. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration took office in May 2023, fuel prices have risen sharply, more than fivefold. This dramatic price increase has caused widespread hardship, as many Nigerians struggle to access the fuel they need to power their daily lives.
The broader economic context exacerbates the situation. Inflation has remained persistently high, peaking at over 34% in June 2024 and standing at 32.7% in September. More than half of the Nigerian population, or about 56%, now lives below the poverty line, a significant increase from 40% in 2018, according to the World Bank. As the price of fuel continues to rise and availability becomes more limited, incidents like the explosion in Agbor not only highlight the immediate dangers of tanker transportation but also underscore the deep economic distress that many Nigerians face.
These tanker explosions and the severe economic situation illustrate the growing vulnerabilities of the Nigerian populace, where access to essential goods like fuel is increasingly precarious and dangerous.