Fuel Scarcity: Buhari Says It’s Regrettable As Nigerians Suffer

*Transport fares, prices of food stuff skyrocket, Nigerians groan in silence
‎After over two weeks of excruciating pains inflicted on Nigerians by the current acute fuel scarcity, President Muhammadu Buhari, who doubles as the nation’s petroleum minister, has said it was regrettable.
Most Nigerians had since the acute fuel scarcity resorted to sleeping in long queues at fuel refiling stations while those traveling to various parts of Nigeria for the celebration of the Christmas and New year had it tough paying through their noses as transport fares had gone beyond their reach.
For instance, fares from Lagos to Enugu jumped from N5,000 to N14,000, Abuja to Lagos increased from N5,000 to N17,000, Abuja to Kaduna increased from N1,000 to N3,000, Port Harcourt to Enugu moved from N2,000 to N5,000 among other routes.

Most citizens who could not afford the high transport fares stayed back from travelling. The effects of fuel scarcity also led to increase in prices of goods and services in markets.
Also pump price of fuel per litre jumped from N145.00 to as much as N400.00 if it is seen at all as long queues of vehicles and jerry cans in filling stations dispensing fuel are now common sight in Nigeria.
According to a statement he personally signed and posted on his twitter handle, @Mbuhari #FuelScarcity:

“The fuel scarcity being experienced nationwide is regrettable. I sympathize with all Nigerians on having to endure needless fuel queues.

“I’m being regularly briefed, especially on the NNPC’s interventions to ensure that there is enough petrol available during this period and beyond.

“I have the NNPC’s assurance that the situation will improve significantly over the next few days, as new shipments and supplies are distributed across the country.

“I have also directed the regulators to step up their surveillance and bring an end to hoarding and price inflation by marketers.

“Let me also assure that the relevant agencies will continue to provide updates on the situation. I thank you all for your patience and understanding.”