Fuel scarcity has left commuters stranded nationwide, with many facing challenges getting to their destinations. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and oil marketers are intensifying efforts to address the crisis. In Lagos and Abuja, many filling stations remained closed, while those open faced long queues as motorists and other users sought fuel.
High fares were reported on various Abuja routes, leading to a significant increase in both inter and intra-state journeys. This situation left commuters stranded at bus stops, while travellers faced challenges at motor parks due to the high fares charged by transporters. The Lagos-Abuja trip, which usually cost about N30,000, rose to as high as N50,000 yesterday, prompting some travellers to cancel their trips.
In Makurdi, the pump price of petrol hit N780 per litre as most filling stations in the town remained closed without product to dispense. Most major and independent marketers in Makurdi had no product to sell, while the few that had were dispensing between N770 and N780 per litre to stranded motorists. Commuters and drivers expressed frustration over the non-availability of the product, which had already crippled businesses and added to the financial burden of many.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State government's task force raided some filling stations in Ilorin metropolis, cautioning them against hoarding fuel. The raid was part of measures to address fuel scarcity in the state. Prince Mahe Abdulkadir, the leader of the task force and Chief of Staff, Government House, called on the people of the state to be patient and avoid panic-buying.
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