Although Nigeria has large oil reserves, the price of fuel has increased fivefold since last year.
16.10. 16:30•Updated 16.10. 16:31
At least 140 people died in a fuel tank explosion in Nigeria on the night before Wednesday, the country’s authorities say. In addition, dozens of people were injured. According to the police, the death toll may still rise.
The explosion was preceded by a road accident late on Tuesday, in which a tanker carrying fuel overturned after dodging an oncoming truck. According to the police, many of the victims had tried to collect fuel that had spilled onto the road from a tanker truck.
The accident happened in Jigawa state in the northern part of the country.
Fuel tank explosions are common in the West African country of Nigeria, where some roads are poorly maintained and residents often try to hoard fuel after accidents.
In Nigeria, which is suffering from a severe economic crisis, fuel has become more and more expensive. Its price has increased fivefold since last year.