WARRI/Nigeria: There are indications that the perennial fuel scarcity may soon resurface in Warri and its environs as queues of motorists and other consumers of the product are besieging fuel station for products as was the case in past Christmas period.
Most filling stations own by members of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun and their environs at as the time of filing this report were closed to business while those own by major marketers sell after closing hours to desperate consumers till late in the evening.
The cause of the ugly situation is not immediately known but it was gathered that it was not unconnected with the crisis in the election of executives of Delta State chapter of IPMAN.
Meanwhile, black marketers particularly those who sell at the premises of filling stations had taken advantage of the situation by selling the product at exorbitant prices to desperate consumers who could not stand the rigours of queuing.
Commenting on the issue, a public analyst, Comrade Chief Akpojotor Adjarho noted “It is only during Christian festive periods that record fuel crisis caused by fuel dealers who are Christians. They always have flimsy excuses for their actions during Christmas periods.
“Some of them make excess profits during this period at the expense of the masses. If I may ask, where do the black marketers get their products from during the fuel crisis or scarcity? They are at it again because Christmas is around the corner.
“Muslims celebrated their festivals without fuel crisis or scarcity and now we are witnessing this avoidable queue in filling stations on matters that can be resolved amicably without causing scarcity of fuel. It is very unfortunate. Pastors should preach sermons that will instil the fear of God on worshippers and shun gospel of prosperity, so that shy lock traders who are Christians will change for the better.”
