Petrol marketers across Nigeria have expressed frustration over the issue of “ghost buying” at filling stations, a practice that has disrupted sales and created challenges in fuel distribution. Ghost buying refers to instances where individuals or groups pre-purchase large volumes of petrol but do not immediately collect it, leaving station owners uncertain about stock levels and disrupting regular customer service.

The marketers note that ghost buying has contributed to artificial shortages, as pre-paid fuel reserves appear sold out even when the physical fuel remains on-site. This practice not only misrepresents actual demand but also creates operational headaches for petrol stations, as they struggle to manage stock and serve walk-in customers efficiently.

Industry representatives have called on regulatory bodies to address this issue, emphasizing the need for transparent fuel purchase systems and stricter controls to prevent such practices. According to marketers, ghost buying has also complicated efforts to stabilize fuel prices, as pre-purchased stock often sits idle or is held back to be sold at higher prices when demand spikes.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s petrol marketers are facing a growing problem with ghost buying, which has skewed sales dynamics and complicated inventory management. They call for urgent action from regulators to tackle this issue and promote a more stable, transparent fuel market.