The bustling business landscape of Kaduna metropolis and its surrounding areas came to a grinding halt on Monday as fuel scarcity gripped the state, leading to a significant decline in patronage for most businesses.
Monitoring the situation in Kaduna metropolis, our correspondent observed that fuel was selling for as high as N1,000 per litre at the few stations that still had the product in stock. Meanwhile, on the black market, the price soared to N1,500 per litre, prompting many car owners to leave their vehicles at home and opt for public transportation.
The scarcity left most filling stations shuttered, with the few open ones witnessing long queues of anxious motorists.
Expressing his frustration, Kaduna resident Festus Akpan, who resorted to public transport, lamented, “I parked my car at home because for two days now, I haven’t been able to find fuel. The situation is dire, and the government needs to address it urgently because people are suffering.”
Commercial bus driver Sami highlighted the ripple effects of the fuel scarcity, noting the surge in transport fares. “From Sabon Tasha to Central Market is now N400 per passenger, up from N250. We are forced to buy fuel at N1,500 per litre from the black market,” he added.
The fuel scarcity has not only disrupted business activities but also imposed financial burdens on residents, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to alleviate the suffering of the populace.
