Umuahia, Abia State – Daily life in the Abia State capital slowed to a crawl on Tuesday as a biting fuel shortage crippled transportation and disrupted economic activities.
By mid-morning, the usually busy streets were marked by long queues of stranded commuters and idle vehicles, after most filling stations across the city abruptly halted sales. The shutdown followed Monday’s nationwide industrial action by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which has sent ripples through the country’s fuel supply chain.
In the days leading up to the strike, Mr. Chukwudi Ezinwa of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) had urged marketers in the South East to continue operations. His plea, however, failed to sway operators in Umuahia, where the majority of stations kept their gates firmly locked.
A handful of outlets that opened briefly in the morning quickly ran dry, forcing attendants to turn away frustrated customers. Many said their reserves had been depleted as early as Monday evening.
The scarcity has created fertile ground for roadside fuel hawkers, who are now selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at staggering prices ranging from ₦1,400 to ₦1,500 per litre — more than double the official pump rate.
Commercial drivers, especially tricycle and bus operators, warned that transport fares could rise sharply from Wednesday if the situation remains unresolved. Some accused fuel station owners of deliberately hoarding products to cash in on the crisis, further burdening residents already battling high living costs.
For now, the city waits — with engines silent, tempers fraying, and the cost of movement climbing by the hour.