Scarcity of petroleum products persists

Scarcity of petroleum products has persisted in Sokoto metropolis as a four-litre gallon of the commodity now sells for N800 in the black market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that none of the filling stations, including the NNPC mega stations in the metropolis, is selling the products to motorists.

Black marketers are making brisk business as the motorists continue to groan under the hardship.

Intra-city and inter-city transport fares have consequently increased, while fares per drop by commercial motorcyclists, popularly called okada, now stands at between N100 and N200, depending on the distance.

Isa Kabiru, a commercial driver, told NAN that the situation was making life more difficult for the people.

"My children have not been going to school since last week as I cannot afford N800 to buy a gallon of petroleum for my car," he said.

Hajiya Rabi Kabiru of Bado quarters said "the Federal Government needs to a make pronouncement on whether or not it will increase the official pump price".

She said that economic activities were at a stand-still in the state as high cost of transportation persisted due to the high cost of petrol.

"Yesterday, I was not able to take my child to school because the school is too far from our home," she said.

"What type of a situation have we found ourselves in and why?"

Kabiru urged the Federal Government to act fast to address the situation for the sake of the common man.