Fuel scarcity Hits Kaduna, hike in transportation price

Following the continuous scarcity of fuel in various filling stations in Kaduna State, hundreds of passengers were on Wednesday stranded at various bus stops and garages across the state.

Although, there has been increase in transportation fare in the state since the fuel scarcity resurfaced, the number of buses continued to reduce as many queued up at various filling stations.

Mrs. Ruth Musa, who works with a federal government agency at the Federal Secretariat, Kawo-Kaduna, said in spite of the fact that transport fares increased, there are no buses.

“I stood here (Kakuri Bus stop) for almost an hour, no vehicle.”

James Alam, a taxi driver, said even black market is not available.

According to him, since the scarcity, whenever he bought fuel, at the end of work, it’s either he gains a paltry N200 or record a loss.

“It’s better I park my taxi because I am not gaining anything. I will buy fuel of N4,000, my tank will dry before 6pm. If I calculate what I get, I run at a loss or gain only N200,” he said.

Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, a staff of a Federal Government parastatal, said he parked his car since the fuel scarcity hit the state on Monday.

According to him, “nobody expected this fuel scarcity at this time. We face insecurity, scarcity of food, no money and everyday kidnapping. Fuel scarcity has surfaced.”

When Newsmen visited Television Garage and Mando Motor Park on Wednesday morning, passengers were waiting for vehicles to take them to their various destinations.

One of the waiting passengers, Julio Jones, who said he was to travel to Jos, the Plateau State capital, said he was at the garage on Monday, but no vehicle.

According to him, though the fare has been increased, the Union informed them they should wait for some cars who have gone to look for fuel.

An Oando filling station manager, along Kaduna Textiles Plc, Mr. Samuel Adejo, told Newsmen that they have not received fuel supply since last week.

Although he attributed the cause to logistics problem, he said they are expecting petrol soon.