Commuters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and various cities nationwide are facing challenges due to the current fuel scarcity, leading to a surge in transportation fares and significant disruptions in daily travel routines.
Reports from multiple sources highlight the worsening situation in many filling stations across the country, with Abuja particularly hard hit. Long queues, reminiscent of snake-like formations, have become a common sight, exacerbating traffic congestion in the nation’s capital and its environs.
Despite the efforts of some motorists to secure fuel after hours of waiting and squabbling, many retail outlets remain closed, citing supply challenges as the reason for their shutdown.
The scarcity has prompted an increase in transportation fares, with some commuters reporting paying double the usual amount. Outskirts of Abuja, including Masaka, Ado, Mararaba, Jikwoyi, Karu, Nyanya, Lugbe, and Airport Road, have all experienced fare hikes, leaving commuters frustrated and stranded.
Gabriel Olotu, a commuter, expressed his frustration while waiting for transportation, stating, “I have been standing here for almost two hours trying to get a taxi to work but I have not been able to get any.”
Agnes, another commuter, lamented the financial strain caused by the increased fares, stating, “Already, the money I had with me cannot get me lunch at work, on getting to the road, the transportation fare is now doubled.”
Mrs. Aisha Mohammed highlighted the added burden of having to trek due to limited funds, urging authorities to intervene urgently.
In addition to commuters, drivers like Sunday Adah voiced their discontent, criticizing the government’s handling of the situation and the impact on their livelihoods.
Amidst the growing discontent, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened mass action if the Federal Government fails to address the fuel scarcity promptly. The association’s Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, emphasized the dire consequences of the crisis on citizens’ lives and called for immediate action to restore stability.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, attributed the fuel scarcity to supply challenges from NNPC Limited. He assured the public that retail outlets are ready to serve once adequate supplies are received.
As Nigerians grapple with the fuel scarcity’s impact on transportation and daily life, calls for government intervention and solutions to alleviate the crisis grow louder.
