Fuel scarcity has hit Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, with petrol pump prices skyrocketing to a staggering N630 per litre.
Many filling stations have been forced to shut down due to the scarcity, leaving motorists and residents in a state of panic, according to a report by the Nigerian Tribune.
The scarcity crisis has been attributed to the challenges faced by marketers in importing petroleum products.
The lack of foreign exchange and difficulties in accessing supplies from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have worsened the situation, leading to the current fuel shortage.
Investigations reveal that within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), most filling stations are either unable to dispense fuel or are selling it at exorbitant prices ranging from N625 to N630 per litre.
Chief Chinedu Ukadike, the spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), acknowledged the government’s decision to maintain the current price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) amidst the crises affecting the sector.
However, he cautioned that if the scarcity persists, petrol prices may escalate to as high as N900 to N1,000 per litre, which would undoubtedly have dire consequences for Nigerians.
As the fuel scarcity crisis continues to unfold, authorities are urged to take immediate action to alleviate the burden on the Nigerian people and ensure a steady and affordable supply of petroleum products.
