By Kamsi Anayo
Motorists in Anambra state have directed their frustration and anger at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as scarcity and hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol have persisted.
The official price of fuel is N185 but it is being sold at higher prices by filling stations across the state.
In Onitsha and environs, Anambra state, a respondent, simply identified as Okechukwu who bought the commodity at N350 per litre said that it was the first time the commodity would be sold at such exorbitant price in the area.
The worried Okechukwu was surprised that the country with massive natural crude oil deposit could not fix existing refineries to make the commodity affordable for the consumers.
“For years, we hear of Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) from successive governments in the country, but the situation became worst under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
According to him, the cost of living in the last one year has become unbearable to the masses, and the Federal Government seems helpless.
“General elections are next month and nothing is being done to resolve the issue, yet they are seeking re-election,” he said.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) filling station within the state did not have supply of the commodity, making the private owners dispense the product at high price.
A motorist who identified himself as Chief Njoku lamented that he has seen or heard of any NNPC filling station in the state selling the commodity.
He said, “I have gone round the state and nowhere was NNPC filling station selling the commodity. Do actually have a government?
Njoku who expressed anger at the ruling APC which is seeking to remain in power in 2023, said, “N350 per litre. APC has failed the unborn kids. They have removed subsidy without letting Nigerians know.”
On her part, Miss Jane Peters sarcastically said, “APC supporters are buying it for N50/L while others are buying it for N350 per litre.”
A trader, Mr Henry Nwafor also blamed the situation on the APC even as he expressed concern that some misguided fellows are still campaigning for the APC candidates in the 2023 general elections.
Another respondent who could not control her anger actually criticized apologies of the APC.
Officials of NNPC could however not be reached for their comments on the reasons for persistent fuel crisis in the country.
