By Armsfree Ajanaku
A foremost citizens and non-state actors stakeholders group, the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) has bemoaned the current hike in prices of petroleum products across the South East. The group condemned the hike, just as it noted that the situation was causing hyperinflation especially cost of transportation. ACSONET lamented that many Nigerians who traveled from other parts of the country for the Christmas and New Year festivities are now stranded due to the exorbitant cost of transportation. The group in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Chris Azor demanded prompt intervention by the government through the regulatory bodies to avoid what it described as imminent social and economic crisis.
“The suffering inflicted on commuters is unacceptable as concerned authorities seem to be aloof at the suffering of the masses. Relevant authorities should wade into this matter to avert imminent resistance by frustrated citizens. Right now our people who visited home are finding it very difficult to go back due the high cost of transportation and other commodities. This is an obvious existential threat” he continued.
According to the group, its observation showed that petrol was being sold for between N300 and N400 in Onitsha and Awka areas of the State. This development, ACSONET said has made residents apprehensive, wondering what the cost of living would look like this year 2023. The group lamented that the situation would definitely have a ripple effect on the cost of transportation, food items, building materials, and other essential commodities and goods and services, generally. On the vow by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to revoke the licenses of petrol marketers selling above the controlled prices as well as those hoarding the product in their depots, ASCONET called on the regulator to match words with action on the issue.
ASCONET also blamed the activities of unscrupulous middlemen in the business of distributing and marketing of petrol, for the perennial scarcity and arbitrary increase in pump prices across the country. It described the as “fraud and corruption of the highest order,” which must be tackled head on.
