In Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, a shortage of premium motor spirit, commonly known as fuel, has caused distress among motorists.
Reports indicate that a significant number of filling stations in Lokoja were not operating.
Early on Wednesday, some stations that were selling fuel hastily closed down when they received news that certain independent marketers in Lokoja were withholding their products from customers.
As a result, long queues formed at the few stations that remained open for business.
Investigations in Lokoja revealed that some independent marketers are now selling petrol at prices ranging from N700 to N730 per litre, exceeding the official pump price.
Meanwhile, black market vendors have taken advantage of the fuel scarcity by selling at inflated prices of N1000 to N1200 per litre.
Musa Umar, a motorist seeking to buy fuel at a station, expressed his frustration over the worsening situation, saying, “Returning from the eastern part of the country, everything was normal. But since I got back to Lokoja yesterday, most filling stations refused to sell fuel.”
“Why is this scarcity happening? The cost of living is becoming unbearable. Transportation costs are soaring. People are enduring hardship. The authorities should intervene promptly to prevent a crisis. We heard rumors about an impending fuel price drop, which is why some marketers are holding back.”
“I’m not sure how true this is. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) must monitor the activities of petroleum marketers in Kogi State to ease the burden on its citizens.”
Attempts to contact the Kogi State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Engr Ogbe Orits Godwin, regarding this matter were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.