popular articles

Tanker Explosion in Nigeria: At Least 70 Dead

In Nigeria, an overturned tanker exploded as a crowd attempted to collect fuel. Local authorities report at least 70 deaths in a context marked by rising gasoline prices and economic hardship.

Please share:

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reports a serious accident involving a tanker carrying a large shipment of gasoline. According to this agency, the explosion, which occurred after the vehicle overturned, is believed to have caused the death of at least 70 people. Several witnesses say that local residents approached the site to gather spilled fuel. The material damage remains to be assessed, but the situation remains critical for the injured victims.

Economic Context

Nigeria, considered the leading oil producer on the African continent, is experiencing a period of heightened tension linked to energy costs. The price of gasoline has risen significantly since the removal of government subsidies. This decision has led to an increase in the cost of living and notable discontent among the population. Specialists also attribute growing precariousness to an inflation rate exceeding 30%.

According to several reports, access to petroleum products has become increasingly difficult for numerous households. The subsidies previously in place to maintain affordable prices were deemed unsustainable by the authorities. The population is now facing soaring prices, whether for travel or cooking. This situation could explain why some individuals venture to collect fuel following accidents, despite the danger.

Similar Incidents

Comparable incidents have been recorded in other parts of the country. In Jigawa State, a similar event led to the death of more than 170 people when another tanker caught fire after an accident. Investigations at the scene highlighted the same desperate search for fuel. Humanitarian actors consider these tragedies to be indicative of the vulnerability of a population already affected by a difficult economic environment.

Some observers believe that poorly maintained roads also contribute to multiplying the risk of accidents. Tankers, often loaded to maximum capacity, travel on deteriorating and poorly secured routes. Reckless driving and vehicle breakdowns are additional aggravating factors. Road safety authorities regularly announce awareness campaigns, yet these incidents continue to occur.

Official Reactions

On the political side, preventive measures are sometimes announced to reduce the human toll associated with accidents involving the transport of hydrocarbons. The governor of Niger State issued statements urging people to act responsibly when a vehicle overturns. Various calls for collective responsibility have also been made to discourage crowds from gathering around damaged trucks. Local organizations, in partnership with international agencies, encourage risk awareness initiatives to prevent new tragedies.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been in office during a period marked by economic reforms, affirmed the importance of road safety in the government’s agenda. However, there has been no official announcement about reintroducing fuel subsidies. Observers indicate that priority seems to be given to infrastructure investments, without fully alleviating discontent over the high cost of living. The social climate remains tense, with many unions demanding better protections for households facing inflation.

Humanitarian Consequences

According to estimates published by United Nations agencies and various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), several tens of millions of Nigerians currently face food insecurity. The scarcity of gasoline and the continuous rise in prices directly affect the transportation of goods. Rural areas, often far from supply centers, are severely impacted by increased logistical costs. In this context, every incident in the oil sector can intensify pressure on already vulnerable communities.

Health authorities, together with civilian structures, say that the rising number of tanker accidents affects air and soil quality, due to large-scale fuel spills. They emphasize the importance of stricter regulations to limit environmental damage. Various observers insist on the need for reinforced safety protocols for transporting flammable products. This issue raises many questions about the future choices to be made in managing energy resources.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a major agreement with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) for the import of Brazilian crude oil, strengthening India's energy supply diversification and reinforcing trade relations between the two nations.
Petro-Victory Energy Corp. and Azevedo & Travassos Petroleo announce the joint acquisition of 13 onshore oil fields in Brazil. The USD 15 million deal aims to increase production and strengthen their presence in the Potiguar Basin.
Petro-Victory Energy Corp. and Azevedo & Travassos Petroleo announce the joint acquisition of 13 onshore oil fields in Brazil. The USD 15 million deal aims to increase production and strengthen their presence in the Potiguar Basin.
ONGC and bp have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore opportunities in oil exploration, production, and trading. This three-year agreement aims to optimize mature fields and strengthen their presence in offshore bidding rounds in India.
ONGC and bp have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore opportunities in oil exploration, production, and trading. This three-year agreement aims to optimize mature fields and strengthen their presence in offshore bidding rounds in India.
Norwegian group Equinor plans to increase its oil and gas production by more than 10% by 2027. Facing economic constraints, the company is halving its investments in renewable energy and strengthening its presence in Africa, particularly in Tanzania.
Norwegian group Equinor plans to increase its oil and gas production by more than 10% by 2027. Facing economic constraints, the company is halving its investments in renewable energy and strengthening its presence in Africa, particularly in Tanzania.
Facing a decline in oil production, Equatorial Guinea is preparing to launch a new cycle of oil and gas license allocations. This initiative aims to attract investors to boost exploration and stabilize the hydrocarbon industry in a challenging economic context.
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, could reach its full potential of 650,000 barrels per day within 30 days. Currently operating at 85% capacity, it faces crude oil supply challenges despite pressure from Nigeria’s regulatory authorities.
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, could reach its full potential of 650,000 barrels per day within 30 days. Currently operating at 85% capacity, it faces crude oil supply challenges despite pressure from Nigeria’s regulatory authorities.
The government of Guyana is questioning the validity of the Corentyne Block exploration license held by CGX Energy and Frontera Energy. Facing this situation, the consortium is assessing its legal options to defend its interests in this strategic offshore zone.
The government of Guyana is questioning the validity of the Corentyne Block exploration license held by CGX Energy and Frontera Energy. Facing this situation, the consortium is assessing its legal options to defend its interests in this strategic offshore zone.
The new US oil tariffs of 10% and 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports could lead to a redirection of North American crude flows to other markets. Wood Mackenzie analyzes the implications for the three affected countries.
The new US oil tariffs of 10% and 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports could lead to a redirection of North American crude flows to other markets. Wood Mackenzie analyzes the implications for the three affected countries.
Russia will continue supplying oil to India under advantageous conditions despite U.S. sanctions affecting its energy sector. New Delhi relies on stable Russian deliveries to meet growing demand, consolidating a strategic partnership in a tense global market.
Petrobras aims to exploit a 10-billion-barrel deposit off the Amazon coast. While Ibama assesses the environmental impact, the Brazilian government supports the project, which could strengthen the country’s position in the global oil market.
Petrobras aims to exploit a 10-billion-barrel deposit off the Amazon coast. While Ibama assesses the environmental impact, the Brazilian government supports the project, which could strengthen the country’s position in the global oil market.
A fire broke out aboard the Russian oil tanker *Koala* after an explosion in the engine room, forcing the crew to evacuate the vessel. The accident, which occurred in the port of Ust-Luga, caused no casualties or oil spills, according to authorities.
A fire broke out aboard the Russian oil tanker *Koala* after an explosion in the engine room, forcing the crew to evacuate the vessel. The accident, which occurred in the port of Ust-Luga, caused no casualties or oil spills, according to authorities.
CNOOC Limited has announced the start of production for Phase I of the Bozhong 26-6 oilfield development project, located in Bohai Bay. With an expected production capacity of 22,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025, this strategic project strengthens China's energy supply.
CNOOC Limited has announced the start of production for Phase I of the Bozhong 26-6 oilfield development project, located in Bohai Bay. With an expected production capacity of 22,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025, this strategic project strengthens China's energy supply.
The United States enacts new financial sanctions against an international network moving Iranian oil to China, with generated revenues funding military activities, according to Washington, sparking debate over the economic impact of such measures.
The proposed eight new oil wells near Arcachon have sparked internal government disagreements. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, has voiced her opposition to this initiative, contradicting the previous statements of Christophe Béchu.
The proposed eight new oil wells near Arcachon have sparked internal government disagreements. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, has voiced her opposition to this initiative, contradicting the previous statements of Christophe Béchu.
Africa Oil Corp. and its investee Impact Oil & Gas are accelerating their offshore operations in Namibia. Following the drilling of Tamboti-1X, work continues with Marula-1X, targeting Albian reservoirs. The Venus project, scheduled for 2026, could mark a key milestone.
Africa Oil Corp. and its investee Impact Oil & Gas are accelerating their offshore operations in Namibia. Following the drilling of Tamboti-1X, work continues with Marula-1X, targeting Albian reservoirs. The Venus project, scheduled for 2026, could mark a key milestone.
Ecopetrol has finalized the purchase of Repsol's remaining 45% stake in Block CPO-09 for $452 million. This strategic acquisition strengthens the Colombian company's presence in the Llanos Orientales basin and consolidates its role in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Ecopetrol has finalized the purchase of Repsol's remaining 45% stake in Block CPO-09 for $452 million. This strategic acquisition strengthens the Colombian company's presence in the Llanos Orientales basin and consolidates its role in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
U.S. crude oil reserves saw an unexpected increase of 8.7 million barrels last week, far exceeding market forecasts. This rise is attributed to low refinery activity and higher imports, amid a context of downward pressure on prices.
OMV, the Austrian hydrocarbons group, has announced a slight decline in its net profit for the year 2024. The company's financial results reflect a decrease in its margins in an economic environment marked by energy price volatility.
OMV, the Austrian hydrocarbons group, has announced a slight decline in its net profit for the year 2024. The company's financial results reflect a decrease in its margins in an economic environment marked by energy price volatility.
OPEC+ continues to increase its oil production, responding to global demand while ignoring Donald Trump's calls to slow down the rise. This decision to maintain the production increase schedule has direct implications for global markets.
OPEC+ continues to increase its oil production, responding to global demand while ignoring Donald Trump's calls to slow down the rise. This decision to maintain the production increase schedule has direct implications for global markets.
After two record years of mergers and acquisitions in the oil and gas sector, upstream M&A activity is expected to slow down in 2025. Despite a deal pipeline valued at $150 billion, geopolitical tensions and restrictive fiscal policies are limiting new opportunities.
After two record years of mergers and acquisitions in the oil and gas sector, upstream M&A activity is expected to slow down in 2025. Despite a deal pipeline valued at $150 billion, geopolitical tensions and restrictive fiscal policies are limiting new opportunities.
The visit of a U.S. envoy to Nicolás Maduro paves the way for potential discussions on the future of oil sanctions. Between geopolitical stakes and commercial interests, the United States is looking to redefine its approach toward Venezuela.
Saudi Aramco plans to raise its official selling prices (OSP) in March, driven by China’s economic recovery and the redirection of Russian oil flows. Asian refiners are adapting to these new dynamics, influencing premiums on Middle Eastern crude.
Saudi Aramco plans to raise its official selling prices (OSP) in March, driven by China’s economic recovery and the redirection of Russian oil flows. Asian refiners are adapting to these new dynamics, influencing premiums on Middle Eastern crude.
Ukraine has claimed drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, affecting strategic facilities of Gazprom and other players. These attacks raise questions about supply and market stability in the region.
Ukraine has claimed drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, affecting strategic facilities of Gazprom and other players. These attacks raise questions about supply and market stability in the region.
Ecopetrol Permian LLC and Occidental Petroleum Corp (Oxy) extend their agreement on the development of the Permian Basin, planning to drill 34 additional wells between April 2025 and June 2026. This extension aligns with the investment and expansion strategy of both companies.
Ecopetrol Permian LLC and Occidental Petroleum Corp (Oxy) extend their agreement on the development of the Permian Basin, planning to drill 34 additional wells between April 2025 and June 2026. This extension aligns with the investment and expansion strategy of both companies.

Advertising