Drivers, Commuters Left Stranded In Abuja, Anambra Over Fuel Pumps Hike

PETROL stations in Anambra State and Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, unexpectedly shuttered on Wednesday, April 24, leaving many commuters and drivers stranded.

Consequently, the restricted quantity of automobiles on the road led to a notable increase in transportation costs of almost 200 percent.

The few buses that were run required passengers to pay outrageous fees in order to board.

For a trip of N200, commercial transporters charge N500, while a trip of N500 costs between N1,200 and N1,500.

Many commuters were taken aback by the abrupt change, which made them walk to other areas.

“I bought fuel from the black market for as high as N1,350 per litre this morning to do work as we discovered that filling stations did not open.

“Some of my colleagues went to Asaba in Delta State to get the product, that is why the prices of transportation are high this morning.

“We don't know why the filling stations are shut, but we are hearing that it is like they are in a meeting somewhere in Awka.

“We have experienced this kind of situation before and when they came back from their meeting that day, they hiked the pump price of petrol. It's likely to be the same situation, we are watching as events unfold.”

Also, a commuter at Awka, said, “I have been standing at the Regina Caelis bus stop, for over two hours waiting to board a vehicle to UNIZIK, but it has been difficult. The vehicles that are coming have been charging very exorbitantly, I don't know what is really happening.”

Anthony Ifeanya, the Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, stated when he was informed about the development, “There is no cause for alarm, and commuters and motorists should not panic.

“It's likely that the petrol marketers are in a meeting and whenever they are having such a meeting, shutting down petrol stations is a way of compelling every member to attend the meeting. Their meeting usually starts from morning till пооп.”

It was also noted that travel inside and between states was impacted by the abrupt fare increase.