Mixed reactions are trailing on social media over the recent hike in price of fuel in some northern states. Fuel marketers in the northern region, particularly in Sokoto State, are capitalizing on the scarcity of petrol, with black marketers charging as high as N2000 per liter.
The dire situation has plunged residents of Sokoto and neighboring states into hardship and despair, as the scarcity of fuel permeates all sectors, making businesses and daily activities extremely challenging.
Reports from Channels TV reveal that filling stations in Sokoto State are often closed, purportedly due to lack of fuel, while black market vendors exploit the situation by selling petrol between N2,000 and N2,500 per liter across the state capital.
Frustrated commuters and residents have urged the government to intervene swiftly to alleviate the crisis, expressing concerns that the situation could worsen and further disrupt livelihoods.
Residents lament that the exorbitant black market price of N2500 per liter is exacerbating the already difficult circumstances, bringing economic activities to a halt in the state capital.
However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attributes the fuel scarcity and long queues observed in Lagos, Abuja, and other states to "logistics issues," assuring the public that these challenges have been resolved.
In a statement, the NNPCL emphasizes that the prices of petroleum products remain unchanged and urges Nigerians to refrain from panic buying, assuring them of an adequate supply of products nationwide.
This development has sparked diverse reactions following its dissemination by Sahara Reporters on X (formerly known as Twitter) with many Nigerians sharing different views on it.
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