SONIDEP S.A. Issued a press release on Thursday, September 3, 2026, addressing concerns over fuel supply in the regions of Zinder and Maradi. The company’s statement aimed to clarify the situation and mitigate public apprehension regarding fuel availability. SONIDEP S.A. Reassured the public about the consistent availability and regularity of hydrocarbon supply in these areas, emphasizing that the distribution network remains strong. SONIDEP stated that the queues observed at some service stations in Zinder and Maradi were not caused by an interruption in supply. Instead, the company attributed the congestion to an exceptional increase in demand for fuel, a phenomenon that has placed temporary strain on local distribution points.
Demand Surge Explained
In Zinder, gasoline volumes distributed saw a significant increase, rising from 1,012,000 liters in 2022 to 15,056,000 liters in 2025. This upward trend continued into the current year, demonstrating a sustained and substantial growth in consumption. Between January 1 and August 31, 2026, the region recorded a distribution of 19,305,000 liters of gasoline, further showing the escalating demand. SONIDEP S.A. Reported a similar evolution in demand in Maradi, indicating that the challenge is not isolated to a single region. The state-owned company attributes this progression in consumption to several factors. SONIDEP specifically cited excessive purchases by consumers, informal storage practices, and fraudulent resale activities as key contributors to the heightened demand. These practices are believed to exacerbate the perception of scarcity and contribute to the long queues observed at service stations in both Zinder and Maradi, creating an artificial sense of shortage despite adequate overall supply.
Disruptive Practices Noted
Such practices accelerate stock depletion, disrupt the established distribution networks, and ultimately penalize consumers, according to SONIDEP S.A. The state-owned company indicated that the accumulation of fuel by individuals and illicit resale circuits creates an artificial shortage, diverting essential resources from legitimate channels. This behavior forces regular consumers to wait in long queues and sometimes pay inflated prices from informal vendors, undermining the integrity of the market. SONIDEP S.A. Emphasized that the integrity of the supply chain is compromised when fuel intended for direct consumption is diverted for speculative purposes, leading to inefficiencies and unfair access. The company's statement noted that these actions exacerbate the challenges of maintaining smooth and equitable fuel access across the affected regions of Zinder and Maradi, impacting daily life and economic activities. Addressing these disruptive practices is key for restoring order and ensuring fair distribution for all consumers.
Official Support Acknowledged
SONIDEP S.A. Expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of regional authorities in managing fuel distribution, recognizing their vital role in maintaining stability. The company commended the commitment demonstrated by the regional governors of Zinder and Maradi, along with their respective teams, in ensuring the proper functioning of the distribution circuit. SONIDEP stated that these officials play a key role in maintaining order and efficiency within the fuel supply network, working diligently to address the on-the-ground challenges. The state-owned company also encouraged the actions undertaken by the Nigerien Agency for Standardization, Metrology, and Certification (ANMC). SONIDEP noted the ANMC's work as vital for upholding standards and ensuring fair practices within the petroleum sector, which contributes to addressing the current challenges in fuel availability and distribution by promoting transparency and compliance. This collaborative approach, involving both regional governance and regulatory bodies, is essential for a sustainable solution to the observed queues and demand surges.
