Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government says grave consequences await petroleum marketers who increased price of their products in anticipation of Tanker drivers’ strike due to commence Tuesday February 20, 2024.
Ikengaonline reports that there was panic in Enugu metropolis earlier on Tuesday following news of astronomical increase in petrol pump price and hoarding by some filling stations.
As a result, transport operators in the state sharply increased their fares while motorists and commuters grumbled over the situation.
Recall that in parts of the city there were reports that some filling stations were selling as high as N1000 per litre, while some others sold for between N800 and N1000.
In response to the situation, the state government, through the office of the Special duties commissioner issued a statement directing marketers to revert to the former situation or face the consequences.
Mr Emeka Ajogu, Commissioner for Special duties, said the government observed with dismay the inconsiderate and unnecessary hike in petroleum products in the state by petroleum marketers.
He said that the indiscriminate price hike, which was a fallout of the proposed strike action by the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, has continued to persist even after the strike action never held.
“This is most unpatriotic and unacceptable to the government and people of Enugu State.
“As a result, government hereby directs all petroleum marketers to revert to the status quo ante, that is, the price that existed before the sudden hike.
“Grave consequences await anyone who flouts this directive,” Ajogu said.
It would be recalled that before now petrol sold for between N650 and N680, depending on the marketers.
