Several filling stations have shut their gates in Birnin Kebbi following a reduction in petrol prices announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), leaving motorists and commuters struggling to buy the product.
A survey in the Kebbi State capital showed that several stations had suspended sales a day after the NNPC announced a ₦66 reduction in the pump price of petrol.
The closures reportedly followed decisions by some independent marketers to stop selling petrol, reducing access to the product across the city.
The situation also affected movement on major roads, as some motorists stayed off the roads amid high fuel prices and limited availability.
A filling station manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said his station had petrol in stock but its owner directed him to suspend sales.
He explained that the station purchased the product at a higher price and could incur losses by selling it at the newly announced lower rate.
A civil servant, Aminu Muhammed, said the scarcity had disrupted workers’ daily activities, with some staying at home while commercial drivers parked their vehicles because of the high cost and limited availability of petrol.
Some kabu-kabu operators, who provide informal commercial transport services, also expressed frustration over the situation.
They alleged that some stations that opened for sales charged as much as ₦1,500 per litre after motorists had waited for hours in long queues.
Despite the announced price reduction, residents continued to face difficulties accessing petrol.
Petrol price cut: Filling stations shut in Kebbi, motorists stranded