The people of Akwa Ibom, an oil-rich state in Nigeria, are facing exacerbated economic challenges due to the current fuel scarcity in the region amidst the general financial crisis affecting Nigerians.
In compliance with directives from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN) to avoid penalties of N300,000, filling stations in Uyo, apart from NNPC mega stations and Trans Sossa, have ceased operations.
As a result of the fuel shortage, the black market price for a liter of fuel has surged to N1,500, prompting minibus and tricycle drivers to double their fares from N100 to N200 for short distances.
This sudden increase in transportation costs has immediately led to a rise in food prices at local markets.
IPMAN, in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, announced the suspension of operations following a stakeholder meeting and attributed the decision to multiple infractions by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association (NOGASA).
Stations were mandated to close to the public starting from Monday, April 22, 2024, with a hefty fine of N300,000 for non-compliance.
Observations in Uyo revealed that most service stations did not open on Sunday, and those that did sold fuel at N800 per liter instead of the usual N700.
The scarcity has disrupted fuel supply in the state, with no private stations operating on Monday, leading to long queues at government-owned stations.
While petrol prices have reportedly decreased in some areas, the ongoing strike has intensified the crisis in Akwa Ibom State.
On the other hand, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has advised its members to resume business activities.
Udeme Esset, the state chairman, mentioned plans to deploy an enforcement team to oversee operations and report any anomalies to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The association called on the state government to address the issue of unauthorized stops of petrol tankers on the roads, which poses risks of traffic congestion and potential accidents.
In response to the situation, Governor Umo Eno instructed the Commissioner for Internal Security to collaborate with security agencies, including Ibom Community Watch, to boost surveillance at the borders and thwart disruptive activities.
The governor denounced false information from unknown sources claiming a withdrawal of fuel services in the state and assured that necessary measures would be taken against any groups causing further hardships.