By Milcah Tanimu

Kaduna State is currently grappling with a severe fuel scarcity, pushing motorists to resort to purchasing fuel from black market vendors at exorbitant rates, reaching as high as N1,100 per liter.

Reports from Daily Trust indicate that the scarcity has left many commuters stranded, impacting their ability to commute to work and conduct their daily business activities. Only a handful of commercial operators are still providing services amidst the scarcity.

Most filling stations are either not dispensing fuel or have significantly increased their pump prices, with rates ranging between N750 and N810 per liter. Despite the price hike, long queues persist at the few stations still operational.

Residents are feeling the brunt of the crisis, with some like Mohammed Amin resorting to purchasing fuel at exorbitant rates just to keep their vehicles running. Amin disclosed that he bought two liters of fuel for a staggering N2,200 and is considering abandoning his vehicle in favor of alternative transportation if the situation persists.

In addition to the impact on motorists, commercial operators are also exploiting the scarcity to increase their fares. Commuters like Amina Isa and Moses Joseph have reported paying double or triple the usual fare for their journeys due to the shortage of fuel.

Amina Isa, who typically pays N100 for her commute, was charged N300 by a tricycle operator, while Moses Joseph had to fork out N400 instead of the usual N200 for his journey. Similarly, Mrs. Anna Yohanna experienced a fare hike, paying N500 instead of N250 for her bus ride.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by residents and commuters in Kaduna due to the fuel scarcity, underscoring the urgent need for measures to address the issue and alleviate the burden on the populace.