Niger’s petroleum and commerce ministers intervened directly in the fuel-distribution crisis on the afternoon of 21 October, visiting the Sorey depot operated by state petroleum company SONIDEP. Petroleum Minister Hamadou Tini said persistent queues and delayed station deliveries were unacceptable. (anp.ne)
According to the Nigerien Press Agency, the ministers questioned depot management about bottlenecks and compliance with an established weekly delivery schedule. SONIDEP’s director instructed filling-station operators to collect their allocations and replenish their outlets. (anp.ne)
The official account said approximately 1.15 million litres were being delivered daily. Ministers argued that overnight station closures—from 21:00 to 06:00, with designated outlets remaining on duty—provided time for replenishment. Tini asserted that stocks were available and tankers continued to reach Sorey; these statements do not demonstrate that normal retail availability had been restored. (anp.ne)
State newspaper Le Sahel also published a fact-check on 21 October rejecting a viral video presented as evidence that more than 500 fuel tankers were arriving in Niamey. Its warning underscores the distinction between announced supply measures and verified deliveries. (lesahel.org)