Fare increase: Travelers and commuters grumble as fuel scarcity hits more.

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Fare increase: Travelers and commuters grumble as fuel scarcity hits more.

By: Adisa Deborah

Nigeria’s petrol shortage worsened, causing travelers and commuters to get stuck at bus stations and car parks. Despite closures at filling stations in Lagos and Abuja, oil traders continue to sell.

Motorists and users were forced to patronize black market operators selling fuel in cans priced between N900 and N1,000 per liter. High charges increased travel, causing commuters and passengers to be stranded.

 Ayekooto reports that the cost of a Lagos-Abuja trip in Benue state has increased to N50,000, leading to cancellations. Fuel prices in Makurdi reached N780 a liter, with some vendors selling products at N617 per liter and N660 per liter.

 Independent marketers in Nigeria are facing a scarcity of products for stuck motorists, with prices ranging from N770 to N780. This shortage is affecting Nigerians, who are struggling to meet their health needs due to the removal of subsidies.

Tricycle operators in the Jos-Bukuru metropolitan have experienced a 17% to 50% increase in transportation costs, influenced by bargaining ability. The PRTVC Roundabout has seen petrol prices rise from N150 to N300, affecting commuters’ limited resources and causing increased expenses.

Kwara State’s government’s task force has raided filling stations in Ilorin, warning against hoarding gasoline. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq formed the group to address gasoline shortages. Prince Mahe Abdulkadir, Chief of Staff at Government House, urged the people to be patient and avoid panic buying. The federal government is not attempting to raise fuel prices, and employees will not be shortchanged.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has been absent from gasoline stations, allowing dealers to exploit motorists and other product users. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has cautioned motorists in gasoline queues not to cause traffic gridlock on the road to allow vehicles to flow freely. The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has confirmed the development, stating that all members have been lifting and sharing merchandise to kill queues since last Sunday. NNPC Ltd and NNDPRA are working to remove lineups, as disruptions to fuel distribution can take twice as long to restore to normal. The Lagos government has advised motorists to avoid creating jams on roadways and to work together to alleviate the shortage.