Several motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried the lingering fuel scarcity in the territory and environs.

The motorists, who spoke to journalists on Monday in Abuja, said the situation, which had lingered for more than four weeks, caused hardship.

A correspondent, who monitored the situation, reported that many fuel stations were not selling the product, while the few stations selling had long queues.

Following the development, some fuel stations had adjusted the pump price per litre of petrol, except the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) retail outlets, which sold at N175.

Some fuel stations which have the product now sell between N195 to N250.

It was observed that JENEP, located in Azhata, along Karshi road, NNPC retail outlet, near GSM village, Zone 1 and NNPC retail outlet Zone 4, were seen selling with long queues.

The situation caused traffic gridlock as officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were seen controlling traffic.

The scarcity was initially caused by the flooding of roads and bridges in Kogi, which hindered the movement of trucks, thereby affecting the distribution of petroleum products.

However, the scarcity has continued, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulation Authority (NMDPRA) have yet to comment on the development.

Motorists called on the federal government to intervene to stem the suffering faced by residents.

An entrepreneur, who gave his name as Timothy, said he was spending much money patronising black marketers, adding that the only way he could survive was to increase the goods and services he provided to the public.

“I buy 10 litres of petrol at N3,500 from black marketers since it is not easily gotten at the fuel stations because of long queues.

“It is unfortunate that no fuel station sells below N175. And you can’t buy Jerry cans to power your generator if you don’t drive in with a car,’’ he said.

A motorist, Tobi Emmanuel, decried the pain he experienced for more than four weeks, stating that he spent many productive hours at fuel stations yet made little or no gain.

“Today, most of the stations are not selling along my route, which is Nyanyaa, so I managed to get to NNPC, Zone 4. Still, no hope because of the intimidating queues,” he said.

Another consumer, Rose Ogbuu, expressed displeasure over the situation, stressing that despite the fluctuating pump price if fuel was always available, people would not complain.

Civil servants and other passengers also decried the lack of transportation and fare hike enabled by the situation, saying it was demoralising.

According to them, commercial drivers now charged N400 for a route of N250 due to the scarcity. 

(NAN)