The Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, Ekiti State council, under the chairmanship of Kayode Babatuyi, has condemned the increasing fuel scarcity in the state, adding that the situation is affecting economic and social activities.
In a communique released after its monthly congress at the weekend, it explained that few petrol stations were hoarding the fuel to sell at higher prices in future, calling on the state government to move in and save the situation in the interest of the suffering residents.
The communique was drafted by the three-man committee comprising Comrade Yemisi Omotola (Chairman), Comrade Oyeniyi Kolajo, Comrade Anthony Ojo (Members) and signed by the state secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin.
The communique reads, ”The Congress called on the State Government, particularly the Petroleum Task Force, to urgently intervene in the increasing return of queues and the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at highly exorbitant rates at different filling stations in the state especially in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
”The Congress noted that the queues were as a result of fuel hoarding by some filling stations.
”The Congress advised government to investigate the cause of the scarcity and the queues, with a view to punishing those engaging in sharp practices at the detriment of the citizens.”
The scarcity of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, across major towns and cities in the state has made life unbearable to residents.
Most of the fuel stations in the state, especially the state capital were under lock and key, worsening the situation for mostly motorists.
Our correspondent gathered that only a handful of filling stations are dispensing the product at higher prices between N750 and N900 per litre with long queues.
This development has crippled business and commercial activities in the state as many taxi drivers and motorcyclists have disappeared from the roads while the few ones operating are charging exorbitant prices for trips and drops.
Ekiti NUJ expresses concern over fuel scarcity, calls for Oyebanji’s intervention