As Marketers increase fuel price, scarcity miraculously disappears

By Elohor Igbru

A biting fuel scarcity which had persisted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), abated over the Sallah holidays with more stations selling petroleum products, however, this has come at an increased cost of the product per litre around the FCT and satellite towns.

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Our correspondent who went around the FCT and nearby towns report that the stations selling have ignored the government’s directives on regulated pricing instead selling at market costs, mostly affected are the minor marketers and some of the major marketers, including AYM Shafa.

According to our investigation, most marketers have adjusted their pump price to between N185-N195 per litre including the major marketers. The situation however has reduced the queue for fuel in the capital city.

“ It is impossible for us to sell at the regulated price because the government is not supplying us any product. We get ours from Warri at market rate and we have to sell at that price or else we will close our doors,” Aliyu, a marketer whose station has been selling at N200-N225 in Karshi, said.

At AYM Shafa in Orozo, motorists could be seen in a short queue  but with the price at N195.  Most of the buyers spoken to spoke in favour of the new price regime saying it is better than scarcity: “ The government should make up its mind and remove the subsidy,” says Toyin Hassan.

“ We cannot afford to continue in the queue again since February, sometimes you will spend a whole day and still wont get, so this is better, we can plan our income to accommodate this price increase,” he said.