12th May, 2015
Following the scarcity of kerosene in Yola, Adamawa, the commodity is now selling at N250 per litre.
A survey conducted by NAN in Yola on Monday showed that the development had forced many residents to rely on firewood for cooking and other domestic needs.
According to the investigation, the commodity is scarce in most filling stations in Yola metropolis and its environs.
NAN reports that the commodity is only available at the black market where it is sold between N200 to N250 per litre.
The only filling stations occasionally selling the commodity at the government price of N50 per litre were the NNPC mega station along Bank road, Jimeta, and other affiliated stations.
A cross section of the residents, who spoke to NAN, described the situation as worrisome.
Mrs Hannatu Zira, a civil servant and resident of Jimeta, complained that the scarcity and high cost of kerosene had brought hardships on the people.
“We are buying a four-litre gallon of kerosene between N800 and N900, and we are using two gallons in a week.
“The situation is seriously affecting our living and economic conditions,” Zira said.
Another resident, Malam Adamu Kofare, said that he stopped using kerosene for the past two years in his house due to acute scarcity and high cost of the commodity in Yola.
Kofare, who described depending on kerosene to cook as “trickery”, added that he preferred firewood and charcoal, despite their effects on environment.
“Unlike kerosene, firewood is cheaper and available, even though it has serious effect on our environment like deforestation,” he added.
The residents, who expressed concerned over the high cost of the commodity, attributed the scarcity to hoarding of the commodity by petroleum marketers.
They urged the president-elect, retired General Muhammadu Buhari, to adopt measures that would end scarcity and ensure adequate supply of the commodity.