Petrol scarcity bites harder nationwide, as black marketers having field day jack up prices outrageously

The scarcity of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, has persisted nationwide, giving rise to the proliferation of black marketers who sell.

Findings from across the country showed that many filling stations did not open, while there were long queues at those dispensing the product, reports Daily Trust.

This is happening despite the assurance by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that it had addressed the hitches that caused the latest round of the products’ scarcity.

Our reporters who monitored the situation observed that many of the stations within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and in several states have also increased their prices, selling petrol at between N750 and N800 per litre.

However, NNPCL petrol outlets were dispensing at N617 per litre though there were longer queues therein.

Motorists were seen stranded, with some residents resorting to trekking long distances across various parts of the country surveyed by our reporters.

JIGAWA

As many stations in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital were shut, while black marketers were seen selling the product for N1,100 per litre.

Many residents said they had abandoned their vehicles and resorted to trekking.

FCT

There was a long queue at NIPCO filling station in Bwari, a suburb of the FCT. A commercial driver, Yusuf Kassim, said: “Most of the filling stations are not selling. Even the ones selling have long queues.”

Our reporters observed that the AA Rano, RainOil and Shema petrol stations in Jabi were selling petrol at between N680 to N690 per litre, but there were very long queues.

LAGOS

In some parts of Ikeja, dispatch riders were distributing fuel to black marketers . At Maryland, inwards Ikeja under bridge axis, only Northwest and Total filling stations were dispensing; while the NNPC station there was closed. Black marketers around the area were selling five litres for N5,500.

Most of the filling stations visited in Alimosho, Ojo and Badagry local government areas of Lagos State were locked, while there were long queues at stations dispensing the product.

Drivers accused station owners of hoarding the product and said they had to park their vehicles as they could not cope with the price hike.

The situation left scores of residents stranded at various bus stops.

DEPOTS OUT OF STOCK – MARKETERS

The Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Ejigbo, Lagos, Akinrinade Akinade, said most depots in Lagos were out of stock.

“I believe it is a general problem as most depots have run out of stock. Speaking of IPMAN, we don’t have fuel anywhere. We don’t have anywhere to load.

“If there is no stock, there is no stock. If there is stock, people will load. I don’t think it is because of any plan to reduce prices,” he stated.

WE’RE NOT IN SHORT SUPPLY-NNPCL

When contacted yesterday for comment, the spokesman of the NNPCL, Femi Soneye, said: “Nothing has changed from the statement I sent out on Thursday (27th April, 2024). If there are disruptions in fuel distribution for two to three days, it typically takes double that time to return to normal.

“It should clear up shortly. One significant aspect is that we have product availability”, he said.

KANO

Some petrol stations in Kano sold the product for as much as N950 per litre, while those selling for N860 witnessed long queues.

At Alfatashir Filling Station along the Kano-Zaria Road, black marketers buying in gallons were competing with vehicle owners on queues.

Aliko Petrol Station, AA Rano and Conoil on Kano-Zaria Road, as well as Azman filling station on Court Road did not open yesterday.

Some black marketers in Kano metropolis were seen selling a four liter of petrol for N5,000.

Many commuters were stranded as very few commercial vehicles and tricycles were on the roads.

OGUN

Transport fares were increased in Abeokuta as drivers complained of getting petrol at an exorbitant price. Many commuters were seen stranded along the major routes in the state capital.

Many stations in the state did not open, while there were long queues where the product was being sold even for as much as N760 per litre. But the NNPC outlets visited by our reporter were selling for N580 per litre.

ONDO

Taxi drivers in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday increased their fares by 30 percent as the scarcity of petrol hit harder.

While many stations did not dispense the product, those selling in places like Igbakara Oke, Oke Aro, Ijoka and Oba Ile were selling for N800 per litre.

A driver, Akingbule Adeoye, said the development was becoming tough for him as a transporter plying between Akure and Ikare Akoko.

The Chairman of IPMAN, Ore Depot, Shina Amoo, told Daily Trust that the product was scarce as his members did not get it from the NNPCL.

He said IPMAN members resorted to buying the product from third parties at high prices.

He also said marketers shut down operations in the states owing to low or non-profit margins.

PLATEAU

In Jos, the capital of Plateau State, long queues were seen at few stations dispensing petrol yesterday as a litre was sold for N800.

STATIONS HIKE PRICE TO N1,200/LITRE IN C/RIVER

Elders and youths in Okuku and Ishibori communities in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River yesterday sealed petrol stations selling the product for N1,200. This followed a protest by commercial motorcyclists.

But station owners told our correspondent that the unavailability of the product forced them to increase the price.

EKITI

Many residents of Ekiti State trekked yesterday as drivers parked their vehicles owing to the scarcity of petrol.

Few stations that opened for business sold the product above N800 per litre.

The Chairman of the Petroleum Taskforce in the state, Odunayo Arinka, said many filling stations had run out of stock.

KWARA

In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, many filling stations were locked, while those in operation sold at N760 per litre. Stations visited by our reporter are those located at Tanke, Amilegbe, Saboline, Opo Malu, Taiwo, New-Yidi roads and Offa Garage Olunlade.

The situation has seen transport fares increased along many routes. Many motorists and other commercial drivers were stranded.