Despite assurances given by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, over availability of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS in the country, queues have returned in many filling stations in Osogbo.
Residents of Osogbo, the State capital trekked several kilometers on Saturday and Sunday as commercial drivers did not have fuel to run services while those that managed to get fuel increase transport fares.
The popular mini buses in the state capital, (known as Korope) have increase transport fare from the average N150 per drop to N200.
While few commercial motorcyclists have also increased their charges on the ground that filing stations in the state now sell at N700 per litre.
Olayinka Ibrahim, Chairman Federation of Informal Workers Association of Nigeria, FIWON, disclosed that the scarcity is hurting businesses as many filing station closed their outlets while those selling product adjusted their prices above the recognized prices.
“The people are really suffering, many residents across Osun have to resorted to trekking long distances as commercial drivers do not have fuel to provide services. Those that managed to get fuel got it at exorbitant prices, hence, they have also increased transport fares per bus stop”, he said.
Meanwhile, Osun State Government task force on petroleum price monitoring has warned marketers in the State against price inflation and product hoarding.
In a statement by its Chairman, who is also the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Kazeem Akinleye on Sunday, the task force disclosed that its surveillance across the state revealed that most filling stations are hoarding petrol products, thereby worsening the fuel supply situation in the state.
“The surveillance activities were conducted in major towns and the state capital in the last three days and that it revealed deliberate hoarding of fuel to create artificial scarcity.
“The Taskforce consequently issues strong warning to affected filling stations which are already listed as direct culprits to open up their tanks and dispense fuel to the members of the public.
“We, therefore, tasked marketers to be public spirited in their pricing of Petroleum products, reminding them of the already harsh economic situation on the members of the public.
“Failure to stop the fuel hoarding and take Humanitarian notice of prevailing economic situation in the country will lead to severe sanctions”, it reads.
