Deborah Chidinma Chibuife , Jacinta Chisom Oguadinma and Angel UzochukwuResidents of Lagos, Enugu, and Anambra states have lamented challenges posed by the raging scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol, and the sudden hike in price of the product.
The scarcity which started during the weekend has caused another round of difficulties for people in different parts of the country as many petrol stations are closed while the few ones operating are selling at higher prices with long queues people scramble to buy. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had said the scarcity was caused by a three-day disruption in supply which made many petrol marketers unable to get the product for distribution in their retail outlets.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn Lagos, the increase in the price of fuel has sparked frustration among residents. Independent petrol marketers increased the price per liter to between N750 and N850.
Major filling stations in different parts of Lagos, that sell at lower prices have long queues, while independent marketers dispense at higher prices said they are selling at the rate they bought it.
This petrol scarcity has led to an increase in transport fares for different routes and a drop in the number of vehicles on the road, thereby keeping many commuters stranded at bus stops with some having to walk long distances while going to work and coming back.
In an interview with Prime Business Africa, a resident, Olawale Gbadamosi, said: “I spend N5k every day for fuel but now I have to spend twice the amount because of the hike in petrol price.”
READ ALSO: Fuel Scarcity: Queues, Hikes in Transport Fares Return As Petrol Near N1000/litre
Lamenting the impact, another resident, Comfort Okeke stated: “I now pay twice the amount I pay for t-fare. The worst part is that I have no other option because the Korope buses are now scarce to get. I used to spend N600 for transport from my house to Ikotun every day but now it’s N900, if you calculate it by a month it’s more than half of my salary and I still have other expenses to foot.”
Public transport operators said the hike in the price of petrol mostly in outlets owned by independent marketers brought about the overwhelming queue in NNPC and other major filling stations that sell at N550 per litre. Some drivers said they were forced to buy from Independent marketers who sell at higher prices to continue the daily hustle.
A commercial driver, Mr. Donatus Okonkwo, stated that most of them have to resort to these independent marketers to buy petrol because of the long queue thereby affecting the price they charge their passengers.
Mr. Stanley Essiet said the petrol scarcity issue has limited his movement. “We have to wait whenever the power is shut down because the filling station is managing their petrol, because of this I can’t go to where I want to go on time.”
Some independent marketers said the price they buy petrol from depots has increased which has also led to an increase in the price they sell at their outlets.
An independent marketer who pleaded anonymity stated: “The hike in price affected my business because there’s a low turn up of customers, most of them go to these major filling stations that’s why there’s a long queue there. We cannot reduce our selling price till this set we bought finishes.”
READ ALSO: Fuel Scarcity: We’ve Adequate Stock, NNPCL, Marketers Assure, Promise To Clear Queues By Wednesday
Petrol Price Hike Sparks Concern In Nsukka
A similar situation was witnessed in Nsukka Enugu State as petrol now sells for between N750 and N900 per liter at the independent marketers’ service stations.
Some residents of the town expressed deep worry over the development in separate interviews with our correspondent on Tuesday, April 31.
A Civil servant, Samuel Obiakor, said the situation has further compounded the economic difficulties in the area.
Mr Obiakor said many private car owners have been compelled to park their vehicles at home and move around in public transport.
“Since the hike in price started, I decided to park my car and take public transport to the office and back home,” he said.
“N950 per liter is exorbitant and I cannot afford it, considering my salary as a civil servant. I shall continue to use public transport until the situation returns to normal,” Obiakor added.
A building material dealer, Kingsley Agbo, said the development has also led to an increase in transport fares in the area.“Some people now trek from Nsukka Old Park to Odenigbo Roundabout because of the 100 per cent hike in fares from N150 to N300 by tricycle.
“Before now, the transport fare from Nsukka to Enugu was N1,000 but transporters now charge between N2,500 and N3,000.
Also, a commercial bus driver, Victor Ogbonna, described the hike in the price of petrol as “unfortunate and an ugly development”. Mr Ogbonna said he only pities his passengers who have to pay more than the usual amount due to the hike but there’s nothing he can do. He says that people will still have to make use of transport, so they are left with no option.
Fuel attendants at MD ANAPET filling station and AKARAKA Filing Station said there is no scarcity of fuel, but customers are compelled to purchase petrol at these high prices.
Mrs. Onyeaka, who sells drinks and other consumable items, said the fuel scarcity affects her business as she uses gasoline generators to power her refrigerators due to poor electricity supply.
Mr. Ogbodoh, who owns a barbing salon, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of fuel for his business to function. He also noted that despite the increased cost, he would have to pass on the additional cost to his customers by raising prices.
Prime Business Africa correspondent observed that some filling stations like Oando and Total in Nsukka are selling petrol at a lower price of ₦695 per liter, however, the long queues are prompting people to opt for the private filling stations despite the higher prices, as they can’t afford to wait.
The people called on the government to intervene urgently to bring the situation under control and also put an end to its harsh economic effects on the masses.
Prime Business Africa correspondent observed that many petrol stations in Nnobi, Agulu, Nnokwa, Nneni and some other towns in Anambra State were closed on Tuesday. This prompted the few ones that opened to increase price, selling between N800 and N950 per litre.
When asked why they closed, an attendant at Tonimas filing station in Nneni, said: “We have been instructed not to sell to anyone until a valid price is ascertained.”
A commercial bus driver at the fuel stand Mr. Ebuka Ofor, described the situation as an act of wickedness on the part of the petrol marketers, who he said, were yet to buy new products but were already selling at a high cost.
A motorist, Mr Paul Ezenna at Nnobi Motor Pack, who spoke to Prime Business Africa, criticised the administration of President Ahmed Tinubu regarding the high cost of things in the country. He said the government will not respond to the situation until people begin to protest: “If everyone comes up to protest against this increase, the government will do something about it,” he said.
However, at Nnobi Junction axis, the only filling station that opened for business dispensed at N850 per liter which attracted many buyers.
Transport fares in the area have also been jerked up with all the routes now having an increase of between 50 per cent and 100 per cent
A trader, Mrs. Iheoma Okafor, complained about the difficulty she faced while transporting her goods from Onitsha main market to her shop at Nnobi. In her words: ” I usually board a bus from Nkpor pack at the rate of N1,000 but right now, it is N1,200, no begging.”
Deborah Chidinma Chibuife
Jacinta Chisom Oguadinma
Follow Us