Fuel Scarcity Bites: Black Market Price Soars to ₦1,500 as Calabar Filling Stations Shut Down
Petrol scarcity has crippled activities in Calabar as filling stations owned by both independent and major marketers shut their gates in compliance with the strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
A Vanguard check across the Cross River State capital on Tuesday revealed that outlets along Etta Agbor, Marian Road, and Calabar South were closed, following fears of sanctions from NUPENG’s task force amid the union’s standoff with the Dangote Group.
Most stations reportedly stopped dispensing fuel late Monday night, with a few selling briefly in the early hours of Tuesday before shutting down completely.
As of press time, only NNPC outlets were still dispensing petrol, but with long, chaotic queues stretching several metres. Major marketers such as Fynefield and MRS remained closed, while popular outlets including Mobil, Eterna, Shafa, Uddy King, and Total also locked up operations.
The shutdown has created a thriving black market, where petrol now sells for between ₦1,300 and ₦1,500 per litre.
The scarcity has also pushed transport fares to record highs, leaving commuters stranded at major bus stops. A journey that previously cost ₦200 now goes for ₦500, while routes that were ₦300 now attract ₦600.
Unable to afford the hikes, many residents resorted to trekking long distances, particularly from Atimbo Roundabout through Etta Agbor to Watt Market.
So far, government authorities have remained silent as residents continue to grapple with the worsening fuel crisis.
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