26 December 2015, Kano – Prices of kerosene have increased in Kano, a few days to the Christmas and New Year celebrations, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
A survey conducted in Kano showed that a four-litre gallon of the commodity which cost N600 last week is now being sold at between N650 and N700.
The survey indicated that following the sudden increase, a drum of the kerosene was now being sold at N28,000 as against the usual N26,000.
According to the survey, the increase in the prices is due to the recent scarcity of petroleum products experienced across the country.
Kerosine buyers at the market have complained over the rising cost of the commodity.
One of the buyers, Mrs. Kande Gorge, called on the government to ensure adequate supply of the commodity, especially during the yuletide celebration to check its scarcity.
Another buyer, Malam Abdu Sani, lamented that the increase had prevented him from buying adequate number of gallons required for his domestic use. ” had wanted to buy four gallons but because of the increase in the price, I have no alternative than to buy two gallons and go back home,” he said.
Other buyers, who spoke to newsmen, said they had since resorted to the use of charcoal because it was more economical.
However, one of the kerosene dealers at Sabon Gari Market, Alhaji Sulaiman Mohamed, attributed the increase to the hike in cost of transportation.
He said most of the transporters of the commodity had increased their charges following the recent fuel scarcity experienced in some parts of the country.
Another dealer at Yan’kaba Market, Malam Habibu Hussaini, blamed the increase on inadequate supply of the commodity from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).