Petrol stations in Anambra State ceased operations on Wednesday, leaving thousands of commuters and motorists stranded throughout the state. The shutdown affected most petrol stations in major cities such as Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Umunze, Ekwulobia, and their environs.
Consequently, transport fares skyrocketed by more than 200 percent as the limited number of available vehicles on the road forced commuters to pay exorbitant prices.
The sudden closure of petrol stations caught many commuters off guard, leading to numerous individuals trekking to their destinations. While the reason behind the shutdown remains unclear, speculation abounds among the public. Some believe it may be due to a strike by petrol station workers, while others suspect it could be a ploy by marketers to increase fuel prices.
Tochukwu, a tricycle operator in Onitsha, revealed that he purchased fuel from the black market at a steep price of N1,350 per liter to continue working when he discovered the petrol stations were closed. He noted that some of his colleagues traveled to Asaba in Delta State to obtain fuel, attributing the high transportation costs to the scarcity of fuel.
Meanwhile, Chinwe Okeke, a commuter in Awka, expressed frustration at the lengthy wait for transportation amid the sudden fare hikes. She recounted her two-hour wait at the Regina Caelis bus stop, emphasizing the difficulty in finding affordable transport options.
In response to the situation, Anthony Ifeanya, the Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, assured commuters and motorists not to panic. He suggested that the closure of petrol stations might be due to a meeting among petrol marketers, a common practice to ensure attendance. However, he urged calm, indicating that such meetings typically conclude by noon.
The abrupt increase in transport fares affected both inter-state and intra-state travel, compounding the challenges faced by commuters in Anambra State.