Queues have once again surfaced at different petrol stations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), last week, threatened to suspend lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) aka petrol from depots in the State over allegations of harassment by security personnel.
It would appear the petroleum marketers have made good their threat as queues have been observed at different petrol stations in the state capital and its suburbs.
Driving through Port Harcourt, a casual observer in rudely confronted with closed petrol stations, or queues building up at opened stations.
Some of the customers not only lamented the long time spent before purchasing the product, but also the attendant hike in the price of the product.
A disgruntled customer who gave his name simply as Ebere said the increase in price has translated into an increase in the cost of transportation as well.
While some stations were locked, others that were open jerked up the prices. At the NNPC retail station on East-West road, while the meter on the dispenser displayed N179 per liter, the attendant sold fuel at N190.
With the increased waiting time and frustration at the new situation, tempers have begun to boil over even as some people resort to stocking up the product in containers because they don’t know what the future holds.
It is not known how long this scarcity will last and if there is any light at the end of the tunnel, however, if past fuel scarcities are anything to go by, then residents of the Garden City may just be in for a very unpleasant period.
– Media Report
