Residents of Ogun State have lamented fuel scarcity and increase in transportation fares, as they celebrate this year’s Sallah.
On the eve of the Sallah, many residents travelling for the festival became stranded, struggling to get vehicles to convey them to various destinations.
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Findings revealed that the development was a result of the lack of fuel in many filling stations across the Gateway State.
Many vehicles were held up in queues at the few fueling stations dispensing petrol at a rate above the N165 approved pump price.
Our correspondent, who monitored activities across the state, reported that filling stations were selling the product at a price between N180 and N200 per litre.
The scarcity of fuel and the unending rainfall have compounded the woes for the commuters.
Some of those travelling on the eve of the festival had to return home due to the unavailability of vehicles and the rain.
A commuter, Adebisi Solanke, said “It has been a very difficult task to commute during this festive period. There are no vehicles on the road due to fuel scarcity. The rain is too much and the few drivers on the road are charging too much. How can a driver charge N2, 000 from Sango to Oshodi and Abeokuta, which should not be more than N500?”
Another resident identified as Asake who travelled from Abeokuta to Idiroko lamented how he paid N1, 000 from Ilaro to Owode and the same fare from Owode to Idiroko.
“Instead of N500, I paid N1, 000 to Owode. I was also charged N1, 000 from Owode to Idiroko instead of N300. This is too outrageous. But I won’t blame the drivers. There is no fuel. The rain is not stopping and the bad roads are flooded, destroying vehicles. This shouldn’t be happening at a festive period like this,” she said.
However, many residents have expressed hope that the situation would improve from Wednesday as work will resume after the Sallah holiday.
