Some filling stations in Kano State have increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, as fuel scarcity bite harder in the state.
Daily Trust gathered that some filling stations are selling the commodity as high as N200 per litre. There are others selling the product at N190 or N185 as most filling stations witnessed massive queues.
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Even though some fuel stations in the state have maintained the old price, many others visited by Daily Trust are either under lock and key or witnessing a lengthy queue at the gate.
Black markets spring up
A tricycle driver told Daily Trust that makeshift petrol black markets have sprung up across the state, as “petrol hawkers become kings”.
According to him, a gallon of petrol is sold between N110o and N1200, depending on the location.
Our source alleged that many of the filling stations under lock and key in the daytime open at night to sell the commodity to petrol hawkers to give them “kickback”.
A petrol hawker told Daily Trust that he gave N500 kickback to petrol attendants for every jerry can.
He said, “I leave home in search of petrol at dawn. Some of us go out in the night, and you know we give them some tips.”
Residents express worry
A tricycle driver, Usaini Ibrahim, who was in a queue for more than three hours, said he arrived at the filling station at 7am, saying that he was finding it difficult to cope with the situation.
Usaini Ibrahim said, “I have a family and I pay N2500 balance every day and I am yet to start since I don’t have petrol.
“Yesterday, my turn came at 2pm. Imagine how difficult it was for me and the owner of the tricycle does not care. All he knows is his money.”
A motorist who declined to disclose his name, decried the situation, saying if the scarcity escalates, it would have a spiral effect.
He said, “You see the price of food and commodity will soon jerk up as the scarcity escalates.
“The filling station I just passed by sells petrol N200 per litre. This will soon affect transportation.
Another tricycle driver, Umar Ahmad, said he was facing many challenges due to the scarcity.
He said, “This filling station has ten pumps but only one is in operation. The scarcity is artificial.”
Ahmad called on the authorities concerned to do the needful to stop the situation from escalating as it will not augur well for the people of the state.
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission could not be reached for comment.
