Makurdi, September 3, 2024 — The price of petrol in Makurdi, Benue State, skyrocketed to N1,500 per litre on Tuesday afternoon, leaving motorists and commuters frustrated and stranded. The sudden increase in fuel prices has sparked outrage among residents, who are now struggling to cope with the financial burden.
Prior to the hike, petrol prices in the area fluctuated between N930 and N1,000 per litre, except at the two NNPC Mega stations in Makurdi town, which occasionally sold petrol at N617 per litre when available. These stations, however, rarely had a consistent supply.
On Tuesday, most filling stations across Makurdi were closed, likely due to a lack of fuel. The few stations that did have petrol available were selling it at prices ranging from N980 to N1,100 per litre. Meanwhile, black market sellers took advantage of the situation, selling petrol at an inflated rate of N1,500 per litre.
The two NNPC Mega stations in the town offered petrol at N898 per litre, but this did little to ease the situation. Long queues of desperate motorists, bus drivers, and motorbike riders were seen at these stations, with many expressing their anger and frustration over the worsening situation.
Reports indicate that petrol prices in areas outside the state capital were even higher, reaching between N1,250 and N1,300 per litre.
James Tarr, a civil servant, voiced his discontent while waiting in line at the NNPC Mega Station on New Otukpo Road. “Why is the Federal Government doing this to Nigerians? How can they increase the pump price of fuel when we are already struggling to feed our families?” he lamented. Tarr criticized the government’s economic policies, stating that the continuous rise in fuel prices would only lead to further inflation and drive more Nigerians into poverty.
“This government is obviously clueless. They should know that by increasing the pump price of fuel, inflation will continue to rise, and Nigerians will be driven deeper into poverty,” he added. “Who are the economic advisers of this government? They are making Nigerians poorer and hungrier with their policies. A hungry man is an angry man.”
The recent hike in petrol prices has reignited concerns about the impact of the government’s economic policies on ordinary Nigerians. Many are now calling for urgent action to address the rising cost of living and prevent further hardship.
