Breaking: Fuel Scarcity Hits Rivers State as Residents Struggle With High Costs

Long Queues Return to Rivers State

Fuel scarcity has once again hit Rivers State.
Across Port Harcourt and other towns, long queues are back.
Motorists are waiting for hours to buy fuel.
Some filling stations are closed.
Others are selling at very high prices.

The sudden shortage has caused panic.
Residents are worried about transport fares and rising costs.
The scarcity started early this week.
By today, the situation has worsened.

Price Hike Across the State

In Port Harcourt, fuel now sells between ₦750 and ₦900 per litre.
In some areas, black market sellers demand ₦1,000 per litre.
Commercial drivers are complaining.
Many have parked their buses.
Those still working are charging double the usual fares.

A taxi ride that used to cost ₦500 now costs ₦1,200.
Keke riders have increased prices too.
Passengers are frustrated but have no choice.

Residents Speak Out

A trader at Mile 3 market, Mrs. Amaka, said:
“The transport money I spend every day has doubled. It is affecting my business. Customers are also complaining.”

Another resident, a student named Chinedu, told DocuNews Central:
“I spent four hours yesterday looking for fuel. The little I bought was very costly. How can students survive like this?”

Transport Workers Cry Out

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Rivers State also reacted.
Its spokesperson, Mr. Johnson, said:
“The suffering is too much. Our drivers cannot cope. Some filling stations have fuel but they are hoarding it. The government must step in fast.”

Black Market Boom

The scarcity has created a black market.
Young men now sell fuel in jerrycans along major roads.
But their prices are far higher than the official rate.
Many motorists are forced to buy from them.

This has led to safety concerns.
Experts warn that roadside sales increase fire risks.

Businesses Affected

Small businesses in Rivers State are badly affected.
Barbershops, welders, and restaurants that depend on generators are struggling.
Power supply is poor, so many rely on fuel.
Now, they cannot afford to run their businesses.

A barber in Rumuokoro, Mr. Stanley, told our reporter:
“I used to charge ₦500 for a haircut. But now, I spend more than that on fuel alone. Customers do not understand. Business is dying.”

Economic Impact

The Rivers economy is beginning to feel the heat.
Food prices are rising.
Transport costs are increasing.
Goods are not moving easily across the state.

Economists warn that if the scarcity continues, inflation will get worse.

Government Response

The Rivers State Government has acknowledged the problem.
Officials said they are in talks with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The state promised to ensure more trucks deliver fuel quickly.

However, many residents say they want action, not promises.
People want to see fuel flowing again at normal prices.

NNPC’s Position

National Situation

NNPCL has not given a clear reason for the scarcity in Rivers.
But insiders say supply challenges and logistics may be the cause.
Some tankers are stuck on highways.
Others are delayed by security checks.

Fuel scarcity is not only in Rivers State.
Reports show that some other South-South states are also affected.
In Delta and Bayelsa, motorists are complaining of high prices.

This has raised concerns of a wider fuel crisis.

What People Are Saying

On social media, Rivers residents are expressing anger.
Many are blaming the government.
Some accuse filling station owners of hoarding.
Others call for subsidy to be brought back.

A Port Harcourt youth posted:
“If the government cannot provide fuel, how can we survive? Everything is going up except salaries.”

Security Concerns

Long queues at filling stations are also creating security risks.
There are reports of fights breaking out in queues.
Some motorists have clashed with touts.

Police say they are monitoring the situation.
But residents fear things could get worse if the scarcity lasts longer.

Human Angle

For the ordinary Rivers resident, the scarcity means hardship.
Workers spend more money on transport.
Students are stranded.
Families are cutting down expenses.

Life is becoming tougher every day.

Call for Urgent Action

Civil society groups are now calling for urgent action.
They want the federal and state governments to move fast.
They also urge NNPCL to explain the cause of the problem.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to step in.
Union leaders say they will not keep quiet if the suffering continues.

Hope for Relief

Despite the crisis, some officials say relief is on the way.
More fuel trucks are expected in Rivers this week.
If supply improves, queues may reduce.
But residents remain doubtful.

Until fuel flows freely again, hardship will continue.

---

@DocuNews Central