Thelma Osatohanmwen
The scarcity of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has plunged Nigeria into a crisis, with reports of widespread shortages and skyrocketing prices across the country.
NEWSTODAYNG gathered that black market traders are capitalizing on the situation, selling petrol at exorbitant rates, reaching as high as N1,200 per litre in some areas.
Also, Filling stations are either closed or experiencing long queues, leaving many motorists stranded and residents resorting to trekking long distances.
Speaking to motorists in Ado-Ekiti, a driver who pleaded anonymity disclosed that petrol is being sold at #800 -#1000 per litre in some filling stations.
According to him, due to the long queue and the scarcity, he had to sleep at the filling station for two days before he was able to get fuel.
Another cyclist revealed that, “Even as I was on queue for hours I wasn’t able to get fuel but some cars will come and they leave with fuel and bring kegs to get fuel but when it gets to my turn they will say no fuel or pos will say they are not collecting cash, only transfer or they will add high charges.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has attributed the scarcity to a lack of stock at most depots in Lagos.
However, conflicting reports from the NNPCL suggest that there is product availability and that the situation should clear up shortly.
In response to the crisis, motorists are hiking prices in bus fare and people in the state are asking for the intervention of the government, queuing overnight at filling stations and others patronizing black market traders.