The lingering fuel scarcity resurfaced across the country weekend with long queues returning to most filling stations in major towns and cities . The situation in Lagos was the same as in other commercial centres with long queues at most filling stations due to the non-availability of petrol.
And despite claims by the Managing Director of the Kaduna Refinery, Mr. Mojid Agoro that the refinery, produces 1.4 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) everyday, the fuel situation in the state has worsened with longer queues appearing each day at the few filling stations selling fuel.
Also observed within the metropolis, is the resurgence of �black marketers� mainly composed of youths selling fuel in jerry cans either by major roadside in the state or right beside empty filling stations that claim not to have fuel despite the added claims by the NNPC boss that trucks have daily been loading fuel at the depot.
The fuel scarcity in the state initially started immediately after the Easter break and was then attributed to the inability of the petroleum tankers drivers to load during the long break.
However, weeks after the break, the long queues at most filling stations have persisted, causing hardship to both motorists and commuters.
Agoro had last week accused the oil marketers of creating what he called �artificial scarcity� by hoarding the product in anticipation of a price hike by the federal government.
But an oil marketer, who spoke to THISDAY on condition of anonymity at his filling station, described the NNPC�s boss claims as false.
According to him, �the man is not saying the truth. That Kaduna refinery that you know is not producing enough fuel to go round.
Trucks spent days at the depot before getting fuel. You can even see that my station is empty, why will I have fuel and then refused to sell it jus because I am anticipating a price hike,� he asked.
But a signed statement issued by Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company �s Public Relations Manager, Abdullahi Idris on behalf of the Managing Director Agoro also said they were not responsible for the scarcity.
The statement further added that they have been increasing the number of trucks loaded daily since after the Easter break. �We are not the cause of the scarcity as was being insinuated in some sections of the media.
We supplied 12 trucks on March 25, four trucks on March 26, 38 trucks on March 27, 32 trucks on March 28, 36 trucks on March 29, 45 trucks on March 30 and 138 trucks on March 31.
These showed that we are not the cause of the scarcity.�Thus, we call on stakeholders to stop hoarding, diversion, profiteering and other such unpatriotic acts that are capable of bringing suffering to the people through product scarcity especially now that the Kaduna Refinery is back to life,� the statement added. Meanwhile as the fuel queues get longer, commercial drivers have resorted to charging almost double what they were initially collecting as fairs, especially during rush hours in the morning and later in the evening.
Apr82008