Residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have lamented the non-availability and high cost of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol.
It has been revealed that the non-availability of fuel has led to a boom in “black market” sales, as motorists have opted to patronize the only available channel of getting the product.
Taking advantage to make brisk sales, black marketers in the Kurudu area of Abuja sell a liter of fuel at 1,000 naira, while 10 liters is sold for N4,500 in the Gwarimpa area
“I bought two liters of fuel for two thousand naira from the black market because no filling station is selling around my area. From Kurudu to town is now 1200, Keke to Nyanya is 500.
“10 liters of fuel in the black market now sells for N4,500 in the Gwarimpa area,” a motorist lamented.
Commuters in their large numbers are stranded because the number of commercial vehicles plying the routes of Abuja has drastically reduced. Most passengers and motorists now opt to trek distances, as fewer vehicles are on the road.
It was observed that bus stops are now more crowded than ever, as fewer vehicles are on the road, with long queues witnessed in petrol filling stations across the city.
It was gathered that cabbies, such as Uber and Bolt drivers have abandoned the use of Apps as they would negotiate a fresh price with intending passengers different from the amount shown on the Apps.
Most of them complained that the company has refused to increase the fare despite buying fuel at exorbitant prices.
Speaking on the development, Anthony Ehilebo, an Abuja-based lawyer and member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said President Muhammadu Buhari should be held responsible for the situation in Abuja and across the country.
He told reporters that Buhari should be held accountable because he is the Minister of Petroleum in Nigeria.
He noted that Buhari and all those involved in the importation of adulterated fuel should be blamed for the ongoing fuel scarcity.
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