Long Queues Surface at Fuel Stations in Ibadan, Other Cities

By Tawakalit Ibrahim/Adenitan Akinola/ Olajumoke Idowu

Some filling stations within Ibadan metropolis have started experiencing long queues of humans and vehicles. 

Radio Nigeria Premier FM reporter, who monitored the situation, observed that some of the filling stations around Apete, Sango, Mokola, Idi-Ishin Jericho, Akobo, Apata and Molete now witnessed the heavy presence of both commercial and private motorists. 

While wondering what could be the cause of the sudden queues, some of the motorists who did not want their names mentioned suggested that the development could be a result of the remarks from the Inaugural Speech of President Bola Tinubu on the removal of fuel Subsidy.

The motorists lamented that they woke to the increase in pump price from the official rate if 180 Naira per litre to between 240 to 270 Naira per litre this morning.

Our Correspondent gathered that while some stations sold the product, others shut their gate against customers, and this made many people abandon their vehicles at the stations.

Petrol attendants in some of the stations who spoke with Radio Nigeria could not give any reason for the development, noting that they only work with directives.

Efforts to speak with the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN on the issue were to no avail.

Osun State

The case is not different as queues have resurfaced at many fuel stations across Osogbo, the Osun State Capital.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent who went around some locations in the town said there were long queues in a few petrol stations dispensing fuel.

At the stations dispensing fuel along OgoOluwa, Dada Estate, Ring Road and Ikirun Road, pump prices have suddenly increased between 250 naira and 300 hundred naira. 

Some of the motorists who spoke to Radio Nigeria including Mr Duro Later and Hakeem Abolude attributed the development to panic buying.

Some motorists accused some marketers of deliberately hoarding petrol to sell it at exorbitant prices.

They called on the State government to protect the people from shylock businessmen.

Ogun State

Similarly, long queue of vehicles disrupted the free flow of traffic today on major roads in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital as work resumes after the public holiday declared by the federal government in commemoration of the inauguration of a new administration in the country.

Some residents who spoke with Radio Nigeria attributed the long queues to panic buying of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, sequel to the announcement by President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy.

Apart from the filling stations with long queues, many petrol station operators did not sell the product to customers, while some marketers increased their prices from 185 naira per litre to sell for between 250 and 300 naira per litre.

A commercial driver, Mr Akeem Olawale who lamented about the hoarding of fuel by operators, said the situation would lead to hike in transport fares and appealed to President Tinubu to avoid another round of economic torture on the people. 

Also, a business owner, Mrs Tolani Akinsanya said the removal of fuel subsidy would have a great impact on food items, stressing that there was need for the new government to tread with caution to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians.

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