The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says the persistent fuel scarcity is hampering the ease of doing business in the country.

The ACCI president, Emeka Obegolu, stated this in a statement on Thursday, calling on the federal government to resolve the challenge urgently.

“The fuel shortage has made it more expensive for people and businesses to transport goods and conduct transactions, frustrating the ease of doing business. The current fuel scarcity is hurting businesses and hampering economic activities. We urge the government to address the root causes of this problem as a matter of priority,” Mr Obegolu said.

Mr Obegolu said the scarcity caused unpatriotic citizens to increase fuel prices in some parts of the country, consequently increasing transportation fares and logistics costs.

He hoped the upcoming Dangote refinery and other new refineries would help eliminate this ugly trend and make Nigeria self-sufficient and less reliant on fuel imports.

The leader of the Organised Private Sector in Abuja called on NNPCL to expedite the distribution of petroleum products across the country.

According to him, the product’s availability will ease speculations and reduce the hardship Nigerians are facing due to the fuel shortage.

“ACCI, as the leading voice of the private sector in FCT, will continue to be at the forefront of advocating for policies and interventions that support the growth and development of businesses,” Mr Obegolu said.

(NAN)