Niger’s continuing petrol shortage reached Niamey on Sunday, 18 October 2026, with motorists queuing outside filling stations and some operators reporting empty storage tanks. AFP’s reporting from the capital marks a fresh geographical expansion of a shortage already affecting other towns. (information.tv5monde.com)
Capital residents face prolonged waits
Residents described hours spent waiting or searching for petrol. A government list identifying stations with supplies prompted customers to converge on those outlets, while traffic in the city was lighter than usual. AFP reported that the Zinder refinery was unable to satisfy national demand and that the state oil company, Sonidep, needed imports to cover requirements. (information.tv5monde.com)
Military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani had, for the time being, rejected a fuel-price increase to avoid worsening living costs. Sonidep’s new head, Fatimata Marafa Salifou, met sector representatives on 16 October to seek a response to the shortage. These measures preceded Sunday’s reporting and should not be presented as decisions taken that day. (information.tv5monde.com)
Export restriction predates the latest deterioration
The Nigerien Press Agency identifies 12 October 2026 as the date Commerce and Industry Minister Abdoulaye Seydou signed the order restricting exports of premium petrol and diesel—not 18 October. (anp.ne)
The order prioritises domestic supply. Export sales by Sonidep and refinery operator Soraz may still be authorised by the commerce minister when production is surplus to national requirements. Commerce officials, customs and security forces are empowered to enforce the measure. The restriction is therefore not an unconditional prohibition on every export shipment. (anp.ne)