KANO, Nigeria – Fuel station owners and pump attendants in Kano State are complaining of dwindling sales following an increase in pump prices which has led to customers reducing their purchases.
The increase, from N195 per litre to between N540 and N570 per litre, came about after the withdrawal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, who visited filling stations in Kano on Sunday, June 11, 2023, reported that despite the availability of petrol, motorists and motorcyclists are buying lower quantities than usual, leading to a noticeable decrease in business for fuel stations.
Sanusi Adam, a fuel dealer, noted a significant drop in sales since the price increase.
“Most customers now buy between 10 litres and 20 litres of petrol, as opposed to the 30 litres and 50 litres they used to buy,” he explained.
Similarly, Alhaji Muhammadu Aliyu, another fuel dealer, mentioned that many regular customers have reduced their purchases due to the price hike.
He mentioned that “people now minimise their purchases while others have adopted alternative means of transportation like commercial motorcycles and tricycles.”
Another fuel station owner, Malam Idi Garba, called on the government to introduce palliatives as fuel dealers are feeling the economic impact of the price increase.
Sabo Alhassan, a businessman and car owner, revealed that he has resorted to using commercial tricycles due to their lower cost.
He called on the government to intervene and address the issue in the interest of the public, expressing optimism that the situation would improve soon.
