The residents of Anambra State faced difficulties in reaching their destinations as commercial transport operators raised fares by over 100% due to a fuel scarcity that affected major cities in the state.
The price of petrol on the black market soared to as high as N1,200 per litre, prompting motorists to engage in panic buying since most filling stations remained closed.
This situation caused unrest among commuters and disrupted commercial activities across the state.
While the exact cause of the fuel scarcity was unclear, speculation arose during an emergency meeting held by petroleum marketers in Awka.
Filling stations in cities like Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, Nkpor, and Awka had closed their doors, leaving only black market operators to sell petrol at exorbitant prices.
As a result, commuters experienced fare hikes, leading some residents to resort to walking and partially impacting commercial activities.
The situation raised concerns among individuals who relied on vehicles for their livelihoods, with uncertainty looming over future developments.