An acute fuel scarcity has hit Osun, crippling business activities in the state in the past few days, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Attendants at some filling stations in Osogbo blamed the scarcity on what they described as a subtle protest by petroleum marketers, who were anticipating a downward review of the pump price of fuel.

A source familiar with the development said that Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Osun had since directed its members to stop lifting fuel.

NAN reports that virtually all filling stations along Gbongan-Osogbo Road, including the NNPC Mega Station had stopped selling fuel since October 6.

At the ancient city of Ile-Ife, long queues could be seen at various communities, while filling stations along Ede road were under lock and key.

Only one filling station was selling fuel at Ikirun but the station closed shop early on Saturday.

Long queues were also seen at Ilesa, Oke-Ogbo and Ijebu-Ijesa Road. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Aregbesola.