Fuel scarcity looms in Kano, as black market sales boom

Motorists in Kano are experiencing fuel scarcity as long queues have resurfaced at filling stations in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
An investigation conducted by NAN correspondents indicates that the majority of the filling stations in the metropolitan area were under lock and keys.
The investigation further reveals that only a few filling stations were selling at the control price of N165 per litre.
The situation was, however, characterised by long queues and filling stations selling only with one or two pumps to customers in spite of the long queues.
The situation outside Kano metropolitan area is not different. The majority of the stations remain closed with a few selling at above the government-approved price.
In Tsanyawa, Bichi, Dawakin-Tofa and Gwarzo Local Governments, marketers are selling at N174 per litre, above the approved price by the government.
Stranded motorists were seen buying from black marketers at higher prices, ranging from N1,000 to N1,500 per four-litres gallon, depending on the location.
Earlier, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) warned against panic buying of petrol, saying the federal government had no plan to increase fuel price.
However, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says its members plan to increase fuel prices across the country.
Bashir Danmallam, IPMAN Kano chairman, recently said private deport owners had already increased the price from N148 to N153 and N155 per litre, to avoid selling at a loss.
(NAN)
More from Peoples Gazette

Economy
We need money from recovered loot to function: Malami
Mr Malami’s request comes amid calls for accountability and transparency in the management of recovered loots and assets.

World
Apple trails HP, Dell as third most popular U.S. laptop brand
HP has the highest U.S. market share at 35 per cent, followed by Dell with 27 per cent, and Apple trailing at 24 per cent.

Africa
Mass burial in Sierra Leone after tanker explosion leaves over 100 persons dead
The explosion happened after people ignored warnings not to scoop spilled fuel after a petrol tanker collided with a lorry.

Africa
ECOWAS bans Mali coup leaders, family members from traveling, freezes assets
The sanctions include asset freeze and travel bans on members of the transitional authority and certain members of their families.

Anti-Corruption
Kuje prison officials refuse EFCC’s attempt to “rearrest” Maina after conviction
The two opposing personnel were said to have engaged in a heated argument and corked their rifles in show of force.

World
Esport tournament ‘The International’ to pay winners $180 million
The total Prize Pool of $180 million is said to be $70 million more than other top esporting events.