The State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti, currently led by Kayode Babatuyi, has strongly criticized the escalating fuel scarcity in the state. The council stated that the situation is adversely impacting economic and social activities.
Following its monthly congress over the weekend, a statement was issued expressing concern that a few petrol stations were deliberately holding back fuel to be sold at inflated prices in the future. They urged the state government to intervene promptly to alleviate the plight of the residents.
The communique was formulated by a three-member committee consisting of Comrade Yemisi Omotola (Chairman), Comrade Oyeniyi Kolajo, Comrade Anthony Ojo (Members), and was endorsed by the state secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin.
In the statement, it was emphasized that “The Congress urged the State Government, specifically the Petroleum Task Force, to urgently address the reemergence of queues and the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at excessively high rates at various filling stations throughout the state, particularly in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.”
The Congress highlighted that the queues were a result of fuel hoarding by certain filling stations.
Furthermore, the Congress recommended that the government investigate the root cause of the scarcity and queues, with a commitment to penalize individuals partaking in fraudulent activities at the expense of the citizens.
The scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in notable towns and cities within the state has had a harsh impact on the residents.
Many fuel stations, especially in the state capital, have been closed, exacerbating the situation for motorists.
Reports indicate that only a few filling stations are selling the product at significantly higher prices ranging from N750 to N900 per litre, resulting in long queues.
This situation has significantly disrupted business and commercial activities, with numerous taxi drivers and motorcyclists absent from the roads. Those still operating are charging extortionate prices for their services.