Unprecedented Fuel Price Hike
Motorists in Kano State are experiencing severe hardship due to skyrocketing fuel prices, with rates reaching as high as N1,000 per litre. In interviews conducted by The PUNCH, several drivers expressed their frustration and called on the Federal Government to intervene against what they termed as exploitative practices by fuel marketers.
Market Manipulation Allegations
The accusation centres around local marketers, particularly members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), who are said to be creating artificial scarcity. This tactic allegedly maximizes their profits at the expense of the general populace. One motorist, Abdullahi Lawan, noted that despite available stocks, many stations like the Audu Manager along Maiduguri Road remain closed to inflate prices.
Government Urged to Act
Sanusi Bala, another affected driver, emphasized the urgency for government action, highlighting the ripple effects of fuel costs on the prices of food and other essential services. “Fuel is the backbone of our economy, and its pricing affects every aspect of our lives,” Bala explained.
Supply Shortages and Pricing Dynamics
Alhaji Gana Girgir, the state chairman of IPMAN, defended the marketers’ pricing strategies, attributing them to high purchase costs and transportation fees from Lagos. “Selling below N950 per litre would result in a loss for our members,” Girgir stated, also citing inadequate supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as a contributing factor to the crisis.
Widening Impact
The situation has led to prolonged queues at the few stations that are still operational, exacerbating the daily challenges faced by Kano’s residents. This scarcity is affecting not only transportation but also the cost of goods and services throughout the region.
Looking Forward
The fuel crisis in Kano highlights broader issues within Nigeria’s fuel supply chain and pricing regulation mechanisms. Stakeholders are calling for more robust government oversight and strategic measures to stabilize the market and prevent such exploitative practices in the future.
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