Long queues of commercial vehicles, private cars, motorcycles, and tricycles have resurfaced at many petrol stations in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

This development is a direct result of the ongoing shortage of petroleum, commonly referred to as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), that has recently gripped the city.

Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, noted that residents of Ibadan have been facing this fuel scarcity since the previous week.

However, the crisis took a turn for the worse on Monday when several fuel stations shut their gates, further aggravating the situation.

The scarcity has affected several key areas in the city, including Sango, Ijokodo, Apete, Awotan, and Bodija.

Other affected locations include Agodi Gate, Total Garden, Yemetu, and the UI-Secretariat Road. While a few petrol stations remained open in these areas, they had significantly increased their pump prices.

Petrol stations owned by independent marketers are now selling PMS at prices ranging between N950 and N1,200 per liter, depending on the location.

However, stations operated by major marketers, such as those affiliated with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), are selling the product at a much lower price of N580 per liter. Additionally, stations operated by BOVAS have raised their prices from N650 to N670 per liter.

The impact of the fuel shortage has been felt across the city, with some commuters left stranded due to the scarcity of public transportation options.

The scarcity has led to disruptions in daily commuting, as many bus drivers and commercial transport operators struggled to obtain fuel to run their vehicles.

This situation has created further inconvenience for residents trying to navigate the already congested city.

One civil servant, Mr. Adekunle, expressed his frustration with the situation.

“It’s deeply troubling,” he said. “We are now forced to buy fuel at outrageous prices, ranging from N960 to N1,200 depending on the area. This is beyond frustrating; we are tired of this mess.”

The ongoing fuel crisis has not only resulted in long queues but has also caused an economic strain on commuters and transport operators alike.

The unpredictability of fuel prices has left many Ibadan residents worried about how long the situation will persist and the broader implications it may have on their daily lives.