Scarcity: Lagos filling station under fire for allegedly forcing customers to buy meat pie before selling fuel
In a video that surfaced on Twitter over the weekend, a Total filling station said to be located in Igando, Lagos, has been called out for allegedly compelling customers to purchase meat pies before being sold fuel.
This is as many Nigerians are still grappling with the pain of another fuel scarcity that started last week.
Despite assurance from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited that the situation was under control, vehicle owners, commercial drivers, and consumers still have to wait in long queues from a few selling filling stations.
The situation has also seen transport fares jump up while many commuters are left stranded.
The now-viral video shows several customers with jerry cans and another buyer in an SUV waiting for their turn to get fuel.
The recorder of the video could be heard complaining about what he described as an unusual situation.
“I don’t understand what is happening at this Total filling station. How on earth will I be asked to buy meat pie before I buy fuel? What sort of rubbish is this? Is this place open for meat pie or for fuel?
“This Total filling station trying rubbish (sic) with the masses,” he complained to a smiling attendant dressed in black.
The attendant remonstrated with the man for recording the video while a lady dressed in a black dress, who appeared to be affiliated with the station, advised him to ‘go and eat’.
The video immediately generated outrage from many netizens who condemned the actions of the filling station.
@Taohnooni on TikTok urged the consumers to report to the appropriate authorities.
“What’s happening in this country? They should be reported to the appropriate authority. ICPC should take note,” he posted
Flicker Findz, meanwhile urged the complainant to report to the company’s headquarters.
Narrating his ordeal in the hands of a fuel attendant, Marvis said he was asked to give bribes before he could get fuel.
“You never see anything. The fuel attendant told me make I bribe him before he sold me fuel. If not nothing me,” he said.
Baba Egbeshosho tweeted as @flowfemmy lambasted the management of the filling station for their actions.
“Make una come see something. So this is our new business model Total. Coerce customers into paying for a non-essential item before they can buy fuel. Hope u realise that Nigerians have no limits when they push back at oppression. ? Dey play!!!,” he tweeted
Total Nigeria could not be immediately reached for reaction as of the time of filing this story on Sunday.
