Fuel scarcity hits Akure, residents beg for govt intervention

Damilola Olufemi

Residents of Akure, the Ondo state capital are currently experiencing fuel scarcity as many fueling stations in the state capital are under lock and key.

While the majority of the fueling stations are not opening to dispense petroleum products, few of the fuel stations selling the product are currently battling long queue from the residents of the town.

The cause of the fuel scarcity is said to have resulted from a clash among members of the  Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The recent fuel scarcity in the state capital is likely to extend to other parts of the state as occupants of Akure implore the federal and state governments to find a lasting solution to the situation before it deteriorates and weakens the economy and social activities in the state.

One of the residents, Mrs Johnson Bolanle appealed that the fuel scarcity is looked into in order not to make life difficult for them.

“This fuel scarcity should be looked into. We all need fuel. There is no electricity and this is what serves as an alternative for us to power our gadgets and carry out our daily tasks,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Kolawole said the government should come to their rescue to avoid further inflation on goods and services.

“Before we know it, transport fares will rise again. We are not comfortable with the present situation, hence, I will want the government to find a lasting solution to this. Students have resumed and we will need to sponsor their transportation fare as other things we use fuel for,” he said.

Earlier in February, the Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, had advised petroleum marketers and fuel station owners not to hoard the petroleum products or create unnatural scarcity in the state.