ONITSHA – Black marketers in Onitsha, Anambra are making brisk business as the nationwide fuel scarcity has worsened with a litre of petrol now sold for between N150 and N160.
Most filling stations do not have the product so motorists have to rely on the hawkers.
A commercial driver plying Onitsha and Asaba, Mr Dennis Okocha, said he preferred buying from the hawkers to save time since he had to make account to the owner of the vehicle at the end of the day.
“I don’t waste my time in the long queue, which you might spend two hours before it gets to your turn and my business is a business based on time,’’ Okocha said.
A commercial motorcycle rider, Mr Joseph Ibemere, said he patronised the hawkers to get a complete gauge per litre.
“Most filling stations have adjusted their pumps to the disadvantage of the buyers, especially small buyers like us, motorcycle and tricycle riders,’’ he said.
A resident of Onitsha, Mr Ikechukwu Nnanna, appealed to the federal government to find a solution to the lingering shortage.
Nnanna noted that unscrupulous traders would take advantage of the situation to increase the cost of their wares, especially daily need items and staple foodstuffs.
“We are living in a country where businessmen and businesswomen only think of exploiting the poor and needy through a situation like this,’’ he said.
The Manager of Mac-Vicky Fuel Station, Mr Ifeanyi Okeke, said the shortfall in the supply of petrol would be a thing of the past as major marketers are expecting more supplies very soon. (NAN)
