Akure, the capital of Ondo State, is in the throes of a fuel crisis. Motorists and commuters are left stranded and frustrated as petrol stations remain dry or exploit the situation with exorbitant prices.
The crisis unfolded on Monday morning as numerous fuel stations displayed a “closed” sign, citing a lack of petrol. This triggered long queues at the few stations still operational, with lines spilling out onto the streets and causing traffic congestion.
The limited availability of fuel has led to a surge in prices. Reports indicate stations selling petrol between N800 and N1,000 per litre – a significant markup exceeding the official price by a factor of 10 to 12. This price gouging leaves many motorists with a difficult choice: pay the exorbitant price or risk being stranded.
Some impatient motorists, unable to endure the long wait times, have resorted to the black market. This desperate measure highlights the urgency of the situation and the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
A popular opinion by Peoples Gazzette, indicates suspicious activities of fuel stations, who deliberately withholding petrol in anticipation of a price drop or increase, further exacerbating the crisis
A filling station manager anonymously claims that some petrol marketers are strategically holding back on selling their stock due to rumors of a potential price decrease. This strategy, if true, demonstrates a lack of concern for the public’s needs and prioritizes short-term profit over customer service.
The manager further suggests that the limited stock available may not be sufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. They express concern about public anger and the need for the government to address the situation swiftly.
The chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Ondo sheds light on the root cause of the scarcity. According to Shina Amoo, limited or no supply of fuel from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has severely restricted their ability to operate. He contends that members are forced to buy fuel from third parties at higher costs, making it unprofitable to sell at the official pump price.
Amoo’s statement suggests a breakdown in the fuel distribution chain, creating a bottleneck that leaves retailers without sufficient stock and consumers facing inflated prices.
The fuel scarcity in Akure paints a grim picture of a market struggling with supply disruptions, potential price manipulation, and public frustration. Urgent action is required from the government and fuel suppliers to ensure smooth distribution channels, stabilize prices, and alleviate the hardships faced by the people of Akure.
