Fuel Scarcity Hits Delta State as Prices Soar to ₦1,400

Fuel scarcity crisis has emerged in Delta State, first observed on Monday in cities such as Asaba, Agbor, and Umunede. The situation escalated sharply on Tuesday following reports of a price hike, prompting most filling stations in Asaba and its surrounding areas to experience long queues as independent petroleum marketers adjusted their pump prices to between ₦1,200 and ₦1,400 per litre.

Many stations shut their gates entirely, while those that remained open sold fuel at the increased rates, resulting in extensive lines of vehicles. Outlets that had sold petrol at ₦1,050 and ₦1,100 over the weekend have now aligned with the new pricing structure. Rain Oil stations along Okpanam Road, the Expressway, and other locations in Asaba, Ogwashi Uku, and the state capital territory are currently dispensing fuel at ₦1,250 to ₦1,300 per litre.

Reports from Agbor also confirmed that some stations, including North West in Asaba, were selling at ₦1,250 per litre by late Tuesday afternoon. As a result, intra-state transport fares have already risen, and there are growing concerns of further increases if authorities fail to intervene, especially with petrol prices now ranging between ₦1,250 and ₦1,300 per litre across the state.

Anonymous IPMAN official in Delta State defended independent marketers, stating they should not be blamed for the price surge, which he attributed to OPEC. He explained that his members have no alternative but to sell fuel at rates between ₦1,200 and ₦1,400 per litre after purchasing it from privately owned depot agents.