Residents of border settlements between Nigeria and Benin Republic in Ogun state have complained about the exorbitant price of petroleum motor spirit, also known as petrol, which has now reached N2,000 per litre in some regions.
This sharp increase in fuel prices is wreaking havoc on daily life in Idiroko, Ijofin, Agosasa, Ipokia, Iwoye Ketu, Tube, Oniro, Araromi ofo, Ilate, Ohunbo, Agada, Maahun, and Tungeji, as residents struggle to make ends meet.
It was said that the Federal government only authorizes the sale of gasoline at four filling stations: Olafems Oil, Mobil Fueling Station, Oppresso Oil and Gas, and Somolab Fueling Station.
While authorized filling stations offer petrol for between N1,200 and N1,300 per liter, illicit marketers charge between N1,500 and N2,000 per litre.
The dramatic spike in fuel prices has been attributed to smuggling across the border, where it is sold at a greater cost.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari prohibited the delivery of petroleum products to petrol outlets within 20 kilometers of the country’s border in 2019 in an effort to reduce fuel diversion to neighboring countries.
Although the Buhari government later allowed certain filling station waivers to sell fuel in border settlements, the number is minimal in comparison to the area’s population.
Many residents rely heavily on fuel from the illicit market for their everyday and commercial needs. Residents who spoke with our journalist accused authorised filling stations of mostly selling to traffickers, who make millions by selling to the Benin Republic.
