Queues in Delta over hike in fuel price
Fuel Scarcity Hits Delta State
Delta State is experiencing a significant fuel shortage, first observed on Monday in regions such as Asaba, Agbor, and Umunede.
The situation escalated on Tuesday as news of a price hike spread across the state. Long queues formed at most filling stations in Asaba and surrounding areas as independent marketers adjusted pump prices to between N1,200 and N1,400 per litre.
Many fuel stations were closed, while those still operating were selling at the new rates, contributing to the lengthy waits for drivers. Some stations that had sold fuel at N1,050 and N1,100 over the weekend raised their prices in line with market changes.
Rain Oil stations located along Okpanam Road, the Expressway, and other sites in Asaba, Ogwashi Uku, and within the capital city are now offering fuel at prices ranging from N1,250 to N1,300 per litre. Reports from Agbor indicated that stations, including North West in Asaba, were selling fuel at N1,250 per litre around 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Intra-state transportation costs have risen, with concerns about additional increases if authorities do not intervene, as current petrol prices in Delta State vary between N1,250 and N1,300 per litre.
An official from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that independent marketers should not bear the blame for the price increase. The official pointed to OPEC for the rising costs, explaining that marketers must sell fuel between N1,200 and N1,400 per litre due to procurement prices from private depot agents. He urged the federal government to take swift action to allow marketers access to fuel at the approved government rates.
