In what appears to be the same scenario playing out in some major cities throughout the federation, the fuel scarcity is also biting hard in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, with long queues of vehicles and motorcycles at the few filling stations where fuel is available.

During checks by News Express at different filling stations in the metropolis yesterday, many were closed. The few open stations offered a litre petrol for between N140/N150. This has caused a two-fold increase in the cost of public transportation, adding to the suffering and discomfort of the already impoverished populace.

Commercial vehicles and motorcycle operators were scanty on the road. Few private car owners were also noticed scampering for commuter buses, having parked their cars at home for the past three days since the fuel scarcity began in Ibadan.

Besides its effect on movement of people and goods, including food items, members of the public have been lamenting the impact of the scarcity as they can no longer fuel their generating sets, which help them carry on their trades as well as charge their communication devices such as phones, laptops, etc.

A commuter bus driver interviewed sounded religious, saying: “This pain, as we all know, is terrible. There is nothing we can do than to just be patient while calling on God to take control of this economy.”

•Photo by Mayowa Okekale shows queue at an Ibadan filling station.