JUST IN : Uneasiness as queues hit Lagos, Abuja and others over looming fuel price hike

Nigerians have been under consternation following the shutdown of many filling stations during weekends amid an increase in the pump price of petrol.

Recall that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, had on February 9 said Nigerians should prepare for an increase of the product.

Moreso, Brent crude, surged by more than 14 per cent in February as it closed at $64.42 per barrel, up from $56.42 at the start of the month.

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However, the cause of the looming scarcity in different parts of the country remains unknown.

In Lagos, motorists were reported to have besieged the few outlets that were open for business.

Likewise, other states like Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger and Borno have also been occupied by motorists during weekends.

However, speaking with The PUNCH Newspaper about the development at the time, Mike Osatuyi, the National Operation Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria said,

“We have not been advised of any increase in petrol price. Many filling stations are not selling petrol perhaps because they have run out of stock or they are hoarding the product in anticipation of price increase,”

“The outcome of the meeting between the President and the governors is not yet known. There will certainly be an increase in petrol price but we don’t know when this will happen,” he added.