By Rufus Ibebe
LAGOS MAY 6TH (URHOBOTODAY)-It has not been a good time for residents of Ughelli in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State as they are currently passing through hell as result of scarcity of petroleum products which has resulted in hyper inflation.
A litre of petrol sells #150 at the official rate and #200 at black market. The irony of the situation is that when fuel prices have returned to normals in other cities of Delta State, Ughelli fuel dealers still stuck to selling at exorbitant price.
The dealers have resorted to creating artificial scarcity so as to determine the high price for fuel. The few filling stations that have the product now sell at outrageous rate thereby bringing untold hardship to the people of the community
Price of transportation within the metropolis and its environs had soared. Short distance transport through motorcyclist known as ‘okada’ which cost N50 now cost N100. Those travelling to outskirt of Ughelli now pay more for transport fare. Food prices have also risen to the roof top as food stuff seller claim they pay more to transport their commodities to Ughelli as a result of increase in fuel prices.
According to Mr. John Oghenekparobor a motorcyclist in the town, life have become unbearable with the increase in the fuel price.
Mr. Oghenedoro Ighotu, a civil sarvant had called on the government to take rapid step towards ensuring that the product is brought back to its normal price.
Hear him, ” I wish to call on the relevant authorities most especially the government to do everything humanly possible towards ensuring that the product is made available to everybody. Also, they should ensure that it is gotten at an affordable price.”