Residents of Calabar are expressing deep frustration over the ongoing fuel scarcity and the skyrocketing prices of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), which are now ranging between ₦880 and ₦950 per liter. Many are particularly distressed by the difficulty in obtaining fuel even at these high prices.
A visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to several fuelling stations in the city revealed long queues of vehicles and people waiting anxiously to buy petrol. Some motorists, like Johnson Effiong, arrived as early as 3:00 AM at the NNPC station in Stadium Junction, only to find that despite the station receiving supplies on Monday, sales had not yet commenced. Effiong expressed his frustration, noting that while the pump attendants were present, no fuel was being dispensed without any clear reason provided.
Another motorist, Daniel Uwem, shared his concerns about the scarcity, lamenting the difficulty in finding open stations that sell fuel freely. He noted that even when stations do sell fuel, they often do so for only a few hours before announcing that the product has run out.
Matthew Archibong, a mini-bus driver, also voiced his frustration after spending hours at a station along the Muritala Mohammed Highway, only to be told that petrol would not be sold. He then moved to the NNPC station at Stadium Junction, where he encountered the same issue.
The situation in Calabar reflects a broader crisis, with residents enduring long waits and high costs, yet still struggling to secure fuel.