05 March 2014, Damaturu — Scarcity of petroleum products has returned to Damaturu, the Yobe State capital and environs as a liter is now sold for N130 against the official price of N95.
Our correspondent who went round the state capital yesterday reports that a five liter gallon of patrol now goes for N900 at the black market against the normal N600. Many petrol stations in the town have closed while the few ones in operation are having long queues.
Most independent marketers attributed the scarcity and hike in price to insecurity in the area. A marketer said they were facing a lot of challenges. “We hardly get tanker drivers willing to transport the commodities to Yobe and Maiduguri and whoever volunteers will charge exorbitantly, that is why we are selling higher”, he said. A fuel station official said fuel finished on Monday after the station was over-stretched by commercial motorists.
– Daily Trust