Fuel Scarcity: Long Queues Resurface In Zamfara Filling Stations

Long queues have resurfaced in almost all the filling stations in Zamfara State following the scarcity of fuel which has brought more hardship to the residents of the state.

While speaking to the news men, transporters also complained seriously, saying that the hike in fuel prices was affecting their business as the commercial drivers were forced to doubled their transport fares as it has become so difficult for them to purchase fuel without queuing for several hours.

A driver, Babangida Usman, told news men that he used to carry passengers from Gusau to Anka four times a day and also return to Gusau from Anka, saying that he hardly goes two times a day as passengers continue to lament over hike in fuel prices.

“We depend on passengers patronage but as we increased the transportation fares, the number of passengers was reducing drastically as they could not afford the money we charge them,” he lamented.

“I have three wives and 18 children and all of them depend on this commercial driving business I engage myself in.”

Some of the fuel users said that they could not exactly pinpoint where the problem was coming from, whether it was the shortage of supply from NNPC or artificial fuel scarcity from the independent oil marketers.

They lamented that if it is artificial fuel scarcity and the government could not deal ruthlessly with the independent oil marketers, then there is a problem somewhere.

They said that if the situation continues unabated, Nigerians may be forced to revolt against the Federal Government, saying that hardship continues to increase on daily basis.

Recall that the Zamfara State Task Force on Security has sealed many filling stations due to what the chairman of the task force, Hon. Abubakar Dauran, described as artificial fuel scarcity.

He told news men that the task force would continue to monitor the filling stations, pointing out that anyone found wanting would be forced to face the wrath of the law no matter the position.