Date Published: 05/05/11

Fuel Scarcity hits Abuja

Austin Oniwon

For the first time in more than one year, fuel queues returned to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

What started as a rumour on Monday led to panic buying by motorists as long queues emerged but quickly disappeared as the supply of petroleum product was restored.

The queues, however, returned Wednesday as sale of the product witnessed a boom at the black market. Presently, five litres of fuel sell for between N1, 500 and 2,000 while 10 litres go for N3, 000 and 3, 500 respectively.

Spokesman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Levy Ajuonuma, had told the nation that there was sufficient petroleum products to last the next 39 days. He said what was being created was artificial scarcity and urged marketers and those involved in the distribution chain to maintain supply of petroleum products.

The situation, however, worsened Thursday as most petrol stations in the city were no longer selling the product prompting return of lengthy queues. Most people slept at the petrol stations while only the NNPC Mega Station, Total and Connoil all located at the Central Area part of the city were still selling petrol.

Transportation fares had also risen by 100 per cent prompting commuters to either remain at home or resort to trekking.