By Elizabeth Elemi
Following anouncement of the proposed removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu during his Inauguration speech, May 29, 2023, petrol stations across Nigeria have hiked pump prices.
A walk around filling stations in Asaba, Delta state, it was discovered that most filling stations now sell at N500 per litre, meanwhile, in the early hours of Monday, 29th May, petrol was still sold at N230, N225 respectively.
This development has caused a lot of panic, as Nigerians have taken to social media platforms to express their grief and also question the new government.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Delta state, Sheriff Oborevwori has cautioned fuel marketers in the state against hoarding of Petroleum products especially Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
This was contained in a statement made by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Festus Ahon, on Tuesday, 30th May, in Asaba, according to him, Governor Oborevwori has said the state government would not tolerate acts that would make life difficult for Deltans.
He also mentioned that the state government desire is to grow the economy of the State through its MORE agenda. He therefore solicited the support of all stakeholders in its determination to make life more meaningful for Deltans.
The statement reads, “we have heard and seen the reaction of Petroleum Marketers in the state to the announcement of alleged subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu.”
He said the state government had been inundated with reports of filling stations in the state hoarding products and thereby creating artificial scarcity with intent to hike price.
The Delta State Governor views the action of these marketers as unpatriotic and waging of economic war against the people of the state.
“As a government, we will not watch marketers exploit Deltans of their hard earned income through creation of artificial scarcity”, he said.
He called on marketers to be patriotic and continue selling their products to the general public at the official pump price.
Oborevwori added that the relevant government agencies have been directed to monitor the situation and ensure total compliance with the directive.
The state government, he said, would not hesitate to take necessary action against any filling station hoarding the product or who is caught selling above the official price.
