Prices of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly called petrol has hit N560 in Kano state north Western Nigeria.
This follows the official announcement of the end of fuel subsidy payment by the newly sworn in president of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu on the 29th of May.
Observations reveal that petrol is being sold for between N280 to N560 across the commercial city of Kano.
At A.Y Shafa fuel station, along Murtala Mohammed Way in Kano, fuel was dispensed at N560 per liter.
At Aliko Oil in Tauroni by Maiduguri road, in Kano, a litre of fuel, which was being sold for N560 in the morning was later reviewed to N550 per liter mid day.
The fuel station owned by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL located at the Hotoro round about was seen selling for N540 per liter.
A.A Maikifi station at Mariri in Kumbotso local government area was sighted selling petrol for N540 per litter.
Kano residents have lamented the situation, as they hope for better days.
Ahmed Abdulahi who bought fuel at Aliko oil at N550 per liter said the up to 300 percent increase in the pump price translates to huge financial burden but hopes to limit his movements in order to save cost.
“It’s expensive at the N550 per litre I just bought as against the N230 per litre that I bought few days ago. All Imy going to is limit my movements since the policy has come to stay,” he said
However, pump operators at Hamisu Muhammad Zara filling station, along Kano-Maiduguri road were seen selling for N280 per liter, while at Al-Yuam fuel station along the same route, it was being sold for N380 per litter.
Abba Dauda, a motorist who bought at Hamisu Muhammed Oil commended the manager for selling at N280 per litre.
“What we heard was that, they have old stock which they are selling at controlled price, may be when they get new supply, they will increase the price but for now we thank them,” he said.
Further observations revealed that queues are longer at fuel stations where prices are low , while it’s a drive in and buy scenereo at stations selling at higher prices.
Meanwhile, transport fare across the city has increased as motor and tricycle operators have increased their prices.
A commuter, Amina Usman said she paid N100 from Danladi Nasidi Estate to Hotoro roundabout, a journey she normally pays between 50 to 70 Naira.
“They have increased prices of transport and this will happen in the market too from the way things are going,” she said.
Commrade Abbas Ibrahim on the other hand urged Nigerians to be patient and adjust to the policy so that money spent on the subsidy can be used for projects that will have direct impact on the people.
“As we have been told that the conserved money will be used to improve infrastructure, education, health among othes, let Nigerians excercise patience and let the goverment too be sincere in the implementation process,” he advised.
