Fuel scarcity: NUJ condemns hoarding, artificial scarcity by marketers in Yobe

Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Yobe State Council, has condemned in the strongest terms the attitude of some petroleum marketers for hoarding as well as creating an artificial fuel scarcity in Damaturu, the state capital.

Rajab Mohammed, Chairman of the Union in the state, in a statement made available to newsmen in Damaturu, indicated that the situation is capable of introducing untold hardships to end-users in the metropolis.

“The development has resulted in a sharp increase in the price of the commodity in service stations belonging to Independent Marketers, Major Marketers and other Black Market Operators”, he said.

Mohammed on behalf of the Union, therefore, called on the state government, regulatory agencies, and security agencies to intervene and restore normalcy in the business; adding that those hoarding the commodity should be identified and asked to sell it at the regulated price.

“The NUJ is much concerned about the plights of the state citizens and could not fold its arms to see few people manipulating the sell of the product at illegal prices,” Mohammed warned.

Recall that fuel scarcity hit the Yobe State capital early this week where petrol pump price is now around N175, N180, N185 to N190 depending on the filling station and this is in addition to long queues.

Reports from Potiskum as well as other major towns of the state indicated that, despite the increase in the pump price by petrol marketers, motorists are purchasing the commodity with less stress due to the availability of the product in most filling stations.