Motorists in Warri, south local government area of Delta state have lamented the unofficial hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol in Warri metropolis.

Despite the fact that the region was once referred to as Nigeria’s oil city, the scarcity of PMS and increase in the price of the commodity, have continued to trail reactions among motorists in the area. 

The hike which is as a result of the artificial scarcity embarked upon by petrol dealers under the umbrella body of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Delta state chapter, led to pump price increase from the official N145 per liter to N160.

Expressing their displeasure, some motorists called on government and the regulatory agencies to intervene, as it is causing them hardship.

Meanwhile, despite the claim by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) operations officer in Warri Mr. Agusa Nicholas that products are surplus in the Warri refinery, empty petrol tankers were visible along the NNPC highway as the Delta petrol dealer’s secretary spoke on fuel shortage.

In the same vein, most petrol stations despite their meter reading indicating N145 per liter still sell products for as high as N160, while some remained closed despite the belief that marketers are hoarding the products as in the case every festive season.

Report by  Dele  Fasan