As long queues of commercial buses, private cars, motorcycles and tricycles have returned to the majority of petroleum stations in Ibadan, the Oyo State, the price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), is now sell between N950 and N1200.
Residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State’s capital have been experiencing scarcity of petrol since last week.
Our correspondent who visited some of the major areas observed that the situation worsened on Monday when the majority of filling stations shut their gates.
Some of the areas visited included Sango, Ijokodo, Apete, Awotan, Bodija, Agodi Gate, Total Garden, Yemetu and University of Ibadan -Secretariat road.
It was observed that the few petroleum stations selling the product in these areas have increased their pump prices.
The cost of the petrol per litre depends on the location as all petroleum stations belonging to independent marketers were selling between N950 and N1,200.
However, petroleum stations belonging to major marketers, such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) were selling at the rate of N580.
Petrol stations belonging to BOVAS have also increased their pump prices from N650 to N670.
Our correspondent gathered that some commuters were stranded as a result of the scarcity on Monday morning.
A civil servant who identified himself as Mr Adekunle described the situation as worrisome, saying, “It is worrisome. Do you know that we are now buying petroleum at the rate of N960 to N1200 depending on the area? We are tired of this mess,” he said.
Similarly, transportation costs have risen in the city with some location attracting N100 higher than previous rates.
Commuters plying Akobo to Gate woke up to see the fare jerked up from N300 to N400; Akobo to Bodija by popular city taxi – Micra now pay N400 from N300 previously charged while Ashi Junction to Bodija by tricycle is now N300 from N200 that was charged few days ago.