Residents of Bauchi metropolis have started feeling the pinch of the current fuel scarcity as most fuel stations within the state capital are shut, despite a statement by the petroleum authorities denying the existence of a shortage of the product.
The problem started a week ago, when some fuel stations operated, and closed after operating for a short period of time.
As at Wednesday, very few outlets were seen dispensing fuel, with motorists in long queues.
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Many of the angry motorists accuse Independent Marketers of sabotage, while others but the blame on the government.
The Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Bauchi Branch, Rabiu Baba said his members are not responsible for the current situation saying the reason behind the scarcity is as a result of the Federal Government’s new policy on the sale of petroleum products which makes it difficult to get fuel from the depots.
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We have a problem buying the product from the depot. Sincerely, no one is hoarding the product, in other to create artificial scarcity. You can imagine someone who used to buy a hundred tanks daily, is now buying 40 and 30, sometimes 10. So, we need to resolve the matter with the government, before everything will become normal.”
ait.live spoke with officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources, Bauchi State Office seen at one of the fuel stations who promised to deal with anyone found involved in sharp sales practices
Editor: Oloyede Oworu
