Residents groan as fuel scarcity resurfaces in Abuja

Residents of Abuja, the federal capital city, have groaned over soaring fares as long queues have resurfaced at filling stations in the city, amid concerns that there would be scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), sometimes a prelude to hike in its pump price.

It was gathered that a trip from Life-camp Junction to Berger and Wuse that hitherto cost N150 was increased to N200 and Dei-Dei to Berger now N250 from N200.

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Daily Trust recalls that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, two weeks ago, urged Nigerians to prepare for an increase in fuel price as it climbs above $60 per barrel.

Few filling stations selling the product were jam-packed with vehicles.

A driver, Uchenna David, told our reporter that he had a hint of fuel scarcity last night due to the increase of cars in fuel stations.

Having that in mind, he said he came out early to fuel his car but met a long queue.

“I knew it would be hard to get fuel today but as a car owner, I need to fuel today no matter what it takes. I was not surprised of the queue because others will be thinking as I am with the situation yesterday.”

He urged the government to make up its mind on whether or not to increase the pump price so as to avoid subjecting citizens to hardship.

A taxi driver, Ibrahim Khalid, said the increase in transport fare was a combination of fuel scarcity and fewer cars plying the roads.

“Most cars are in fuel stations and few ones taking passengers have increased their price to make up with the time they wasted in fuel stations. We are not happy with the situation but it is not our wish to spend hours in stations waiting for fuel.

“I hope the situation changes before the end of the week for everything to go back to normal,” he said.

Abigail Yakubu, a commuter, who expressed shock with the N50 increase to her destination, said she had been waiting for over 20 minutes to get a car at the normal rate.