#EndSARS: Marketers Sell Petrol at N300 Per Litre
By Victor Ofure Osehobo, Benin
As angry drivers wait in long lines at fuel stations that won’t open, on Wednesday, roadside black marketers are having a field day in Benin City.
The black marketers are selling petrol at N300 per litre to drivers who are ready to pay the high price, so they can move about.
Fuel stations visited were closed down across Benin City, the Edo state capital, on Tuesday amidst fears that #endSARS protesters may attack them.
In addition, dealers were observing the state government curfew which forced closure of schools and all businesses including fuel stations.
Some fuel stations are said to open only under heavy security cover at dead of night to sell above the pump price of N161 to the eager black marketers.
At a Fuel station on Sapele Road, Wednesday, drivers have been waiting for hours to buy fuel at the government-subsidized price, but the station was closed.
One driver, James Udu said, “Can’t you see, am exhausted. I came here as early as 6am. The station was closed. I was told they sold on Tuesday. It is 4 o’ clock, nobody is here to open and we don’t think they will sell”.
At a black market shop inside the Government Reservation Area, all the kegs are empty. The marketer has sold out. Its a great day for business.
Mr Agada Emma, the shop owner is happy. He says he sold like he bought for profit adding he will get the kegs full of Petrol later.
“I have to pay N3000 to fill these three kegs of 50 litres with fuel at N200 per litre. Add the transport to my shop and the labour of putting it in smaller kegs before dispensing. That is why am selling at N300 per litre”.
Amina Ahmed, a driver said, “I was watching the news when the generator went off. I have fuel in my car. I just came here to buy 5 litres but am told it is N1500. It was N1000 before this protest”.Tensions are high as people are anxious so they need petrol to power generators and their vehicles to hear the latest news about the prolonged #endSARS protest across the country.
Analysts say ending the protests in the wake of protesters defying curfews and harassing fellow citizens, is complex and needs an urgent fix. But as the days become weeks, Nigerians are growing impatient for a solution.
