By Adeyinka Adeniran
Fuel scarcity bit harder across Ibadan, the Oyo state capital city on Monday, as thousands of commuters were stranded in various parts of the city.
Commercial motorists took advantage of the situation to hike fares.
Again, many petrol stations do not sell the product as they claimed they do not have it in stock.
Those who have sell at odd times at N800 -N850 per litres.
The few stations selling had long queues with the queue leading to main roads, thereby leading to traffic congestion.
The situation got worse with the public schools resumption on Monday.
In most parts monitored by Corenews, it was observed that the fare had increased by almost 80 percent as commercial motorists lament hardship faced in getting fuel.
A commercial driver plying Egbeda – Iwo Road axis told Corenews that he spent more than three hours at the filling station before he could get fuel at an NNPC depot.
He confirmed buying the product at N580 per litre.
But, another motorists, Abdulfatai Olagbenjo said he couldn’t waste precious hours queuing at petrol station when he could get the same product elsewhere. He said he got the product at N800 per litre from an independent marketer.
He said, he had no problem making his money back since it will result in increased fare by commuters.
He added that even those who spend time queuing and buying at official price of N580 per litre still charge fare at higher prices, saying it is normal for them to cash in on the situation.
When Corenews moved around the capital city, it was observed that only few commercial operators are on the road with commuters struggling to outbeat each other to gain entrance.
Those who could not afford the high fares were seen standing for hours waiting for government subsidised buses.
Commercial motorcycles also seized the opportunity to make quick gains as they doubled their fares.
