Fuel hike hits Gombe metropolis, Black marketers make brisk business
By Chima Azubuike
Barely Twenty-four hours after President Bola Tinubu, declared the imminent removal of fuel subsidy, Gombe metropolis has witnessed fuel scarcity.
Our correspondent reports that Tinubu, in his inaugural speech, had announced that fuel subsidy which had been a lingering issue in the nation, especially between Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and the Federal Government, would be removed.
Across filling stations visited prices are around N195 to N250 but following the long queue motorists now opt for black marketers whose price soar as high as N650.
Motorists were caught lamenting the growing queue as most filling stations in the state have stopped selling, thereby encouraging black marketers.
According to Ugo Willie, since Monday that Tinubu made the announcement of getting Premium Motor Spirit has been different, adding that it has been difficult to carryout school runs.
Willie said, “I went all the way to Doma in search of petrol, from noon to 2m I was in need of fuel. No station was dispensing, they just want to create artificial scarcity in the state.”
Also speaking, Sodiq Ahmed, lamented how difficult it has been getting motorcycle, stressing that fare rates have been on the upward slope.
“The President shouldn’t have mentioned anything about the removal of subsidy. He has really caused problem, that was not what he promised us, he said that he will alleviate our sufferings but the suffering seems to be getting tougher. The former President also knew that he was supposed to put some measures in place but its sad,” he added.
Saddiya Kumo, a petty trader told our correspondent that her goods which she usually supplied with N1000 as transportation has now doubled to N2000.
Kumo said, “We are all feeling the pain. I can’t queue to buy fuel and still do business like before. If I didn’t queue for hours the best option would be with simply black marketers. N1,000 fuel is inadequate to help me do supplies. I can bear it alone, buyers too are feeling it.”
