Rivers residents have lamented the difficulties in getting fuel to run their businesses following the scarcity that hit Port Harcourt and environs recently.
The scarcity, which has entered its third day, has caused untold hardship for businesses, as marketers and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) stopped the distribution of fuel in the state on Monday.
The union explained that the resolve to shut operations was due to the Rivers State Government’s failure to respond to its petition to intervene in the alleged extortion and impounding of fuel tankers by security operatives in the state.
This has resulted in uncontrolled hike in petrol pump price, as major filling stations pegged their prices at N250 and N300 per litre, above N180 pump price.
NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed that the stoppage of supply was caused by alleged extortion and impounding of fuel tankers by security operatives in the state.
When The Guardian visited some areas in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, fuel stations on Ada George, Olu Obasanjo roads and Ikwerre roads were shut down. Commuters and petrol users lamented long hours in queues at a few filling stations dispensing fuel.
Oliver, a businessman, said: “Almost all the filling stations on Ikwerre road are not selling the product. My greatest annoyance is they have the product but have refused to sell, making the masses suffer unnecessarily.”
Blessing Donald said: “This fuel scarcity is only in Port Harcourt and it is sad, making people suffer in addition to the Nigerian economy.”
Transporters have hiked the price of transportation fares.
“Black market sellers are selling at N400/500 per litre. I bought four litres of fuel this morning at N1,600 to take me home after running round town to get fuel.”
Harold Dimkpa, a commercial driver added: “This Nigeria, something needs to be done urgently. One group will decide to go on strike for no serious reason and make people suffer.”
Mandir Kama, a driver plying Abacha road, said: “I am a transporter, I have searched for fuel since morning; I bought black market at N500 per litre. I bought 10 litres, unknown to me that it was bad fuel. I have spent money to change my fuel pump, and clean my carburettor, yet the car can’t start.” (Guardian)