Date: 2017-01-29

TRANSPORTERS and private vehicle owners in Ilorin, Kwara State, have expressed apprehension and anger over the reappearance of fuel scarcity in the metropolis.

The Saturday Tribune gathered among motorists in the metropolis that scarcity of petrol was noticed during the week, while the situation became worrisome on Friday evening as many filling stations did not sell fuel to motorists

It was also gathered that most independent filling station outlets, located along Offa Garage Road, ASA Dam, Gaa-Akanbi, Tanke, Sango and University of Ilorin Road in the metropolis, did not open for business.

Some vehicle owners who spoke with Saturday Tribune appealed to the state government to step into the matter, saying they suspected that scarcity was artificial.

However, an independent fuel marketer, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the development was in preparation for a possible hike in fuel price from next week. "We have been meeting with the relevant agency since Monday over the matter because we must reflect the correct price and we expect that by next week they will give us the answer. That is why many dealers are not placing orders and those who have the product are reluctant to sell", he said.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in the state, on Wednesday, directed relevant government agencies to ensure that no petrol station in the state hoard the product in anticipation of fuel price hike.

The directive followed a 'Matter of Urgent Public Importance' raised by a member representing Oke - Ogun Constituency Honourable Kamaldeen, on the refusal of some fuel stations to dispense petroleum products to motorists in the state capital.

Reading the resolution of the House, the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, said the House would resist further exploitation of the masses of the state by petroleum marketers.