Fuel scarcity has resurfaced in Zamfara State, creating significant disruptions for residents and businesses. On Friday, long queues were reported at the NNPC mega station in Gusau, the state capital, as motorists and commercial drivers struggled to secure fuel.
Vehicles were lined up for several hours at the mega station, with many drivers expressing frustration over the prolonged wait. Ibrahim Ahmad, a commercial bus driver, shared his experience, saying, "I have been at the mega station for over three hours trying to buy fuel, but it hasn’t been my turn yet. The queues are unbearably long."
Ahmad highlighted the economic strain, stating, “If a commercial vehicle driver can spend hours waiting to buy fuel, how is he supposed to sustain his business and feed his family, especially during these challenging economic times?”
At the mega station, the price of fuel was reported to be N628 per litre. The scarcity has also led to a noticeable increase in black market activity, with many individuals seen carrying jerricans filled with fuel, despite a state government ban on such practices.
Further investigation revealed that several filling stations in Gusau were either closed or operating sporadically. Those that remained open were selling fuel at inflated prices, exacerbating the crisis for residents. Many locals have accused petroleum marketers of hoarding fuel to sell at higher rates through unofficial channels, while claiming to be out of stock.
Grace, a saleswoman at one of the filling stations, explained that they had been instructed to stop selling fuel to customers but was unaware of the reasons behind the directive. This has contributed to the frustration of consumers, who are grappling with both the scarcity of fuel and the higher costs associated with it.
The reemergence of fuel scarcity in Zamfara State has reignited concerns about the stability of fuel supply and pricing, further intensifying the economic hardships faced by the residents
No comments:
Post a Comment