Commuters across various parts of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, found themselves stranded on Monday as commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles struggled to find fuel for their operations.
Many of these commuters, predominantly civil servants, were observed standing helplessly at bus stops, waiting in vain for transportation to their workplaces.
Several fuel stations inspected by reporters were found locked with no signs of activity. Speaking to the press, Mrs. Adenike Jayeola, a civil servant, expressed her frustration: “I’ve been waiting here since shortly after 7 am hoping to catch a bus or tricycle, but there’s been no luck. It seems most of the fuel stations are closed.”
Another commuter, Mr. Sanjo, also a civil servant, lamented, “I’ve been here for the last thirty minutes trying to find a vehicle, motorcycle, or tricycle to take me, but I’m already running late for work.”
Last Thursday, it was reported that petroleum marketers associated with the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the Ibadan depot, covering Oyo, Osun states, and surrounding areas, had convened a meeting to discuss a potential review of petroleum product pump prices. However, IPMAN Chairman for Ibadan Depot, Alhaji Bukola Mutiu, clarified to reporters on Thursday that the meeting did not involve any discussions or decisions regarding an increase or decrease in fuel pump prices.
