The recent scarcity of petrol has continued to hinder economic activities in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra.

Before the current scarcity, some filling stations in the Onitsha metropolis dispensed fuel at N690 and N720 per litre.

However, some filling stations now dispense the product at N800, N820 and N850 per litre, while others remain shut.

The commissioner for petroleum and mineral resources, Anthony Ifeanya, hinted on Saturday that the state government had resolved to check the trend.

According to him, the Anambra government monitors filing stations that tampered with their dispensing meters.

Some residents said in separate interviews on Tuesday in Onitsha that petrol scarcity had undoubtedly affected their daily businesses and caused them untold hardship.

A trader, Kenneth Nwanbunwanne, said the recent fuel scarcity affected the people negatively.

According to him, the people of the area are now paying N200 for a journey that was supposed to cost N150 and N300 for a trip that they are supposed to pay N200 if not for the scarcity.

He said, “My major concern is that the price of petrol is not stable; you get it at prices that are always high. Again, what is causing the scarcity is not known to the masses.

“We are not even sure when it will end. The government needs to do something urgent to end this current situation. The poor masses are suffering. We now pay N300 for a journey of N200.

“Situations like this create room for owners of filling stations to acquire wealth at the expense of the masses; situations like this also create room for more hardship, as fuel products are often not available to all.”

A commercial bus driver, Joe Uche, who plies Nkpor Old Road to the popular Upper Iweka, said that the current fuel scarcity in the state has caused low patronage in their daily business.

“Overtime, scarcity like this will create room for adulterated fuel capable of causing damage to one’s car if you are unlucky to purchase such,” said Mr Uche.

Esther Chukwunoso, who hawks goods, lamented that most filling stations were no longer dispensing Petroleum products due to the scarcity.

She said the development had a negative impact on her business.

An advisory by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) cautioned Nigerians against panic buying petrol, saying there was enough supply for the country. 

(NAN)