Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
This is visibly not the best of times for motorists and residents in Anambra State, as the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol has skyrocketed causing scarcity of the product in the state.
Ikengaonline reports that the current scarcity followed the announcement of the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu shortly after he was sworn in as the president of the country on Monday.
The President had, during his inaugural speech, bade goodbye to fuel subsidy, saying it was unrealisable, and that funds used for the subsidy would be channeled into other areas.
The removal of the fuel subsidy has brought enormous challenge on Nigerians across the country, notably the vehicle users, transporters and some business owners who have been made to queue endlessly at filling stations to purchase petroleum products.
Ikengaonline correspondent who monitored the situation in Awka and environs observed an existing long queue at petrol stations that opened for business in Awka. But a greater percentage of the fuel stations in the state failed to open as at Tuesday which also could be attributed to the sit-at-home order observed in the state yesterday.
In some of the fuel stations visited, it was found that fuel is sold at varying prices. Some stations at Nawfia and Awka sold for N600 many others like MRS Amawbia sold at N500, while at other areas like Ekwulobia, some stations sold for as much as N700 per litre.
The recent patrol price change has brought significant increase in transport fares around the state as most of the motorists especially tricycle operators quickly increased their charges per drop from N100 to N150 and N200, depending on distance.
Speaking with Ikengaonline, a tricycle rider, Chijioke Umeh, said the removal of the subsidy by the President was sudden, noting that it took people unawares as no one expected it to come immediately after the inauguration.
Umeh who operates the government — Aromma axis of Awka town said, “Petrol is now difficult to get. I bought a litre/of fuel at N700 at Ifenna Oil and Gas along Ziks avenue this morning. That was after I spent hours on the queue before it got to my turn.”
Another commercial tricycle operator, Ikenna Okafor, told our correspondent that the situation has brought hardship on the people as most passengers find it difficult to pay the new price.
On her own, a resident, Mrs Ifeyinwa Obi, said people will find it difficult to cope with the resultant effect of the new petroleum price. According to her, the new price will likely lead to a significant increase in the prices of commodities in the market.
When contacted through his telephone line, Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Tony Ifeanya, described the hike and scarcity as an act of wickedness on the side of petrol marketers. He assured that the government would monitor it and come out with official position.
