JUMADA-AWWAL 3, 1429 A.H.
FRIDAY, MAY 9 2008
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Black marketers hijack buying of kerosene
Black marketers have hijacked the purchase of kerosene at the NNPC Mega Station in Abakaliki, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
A check by NAN showed that it was easier for the black marketers to buy kerosene in large containers at the station than consumers wishing to buy in four a litre-container.
The black marketers, NAN gathered, were assisted to purchase the quantity of kerosene they desired by a web of syndicates.
The amount given to members of the syndicates was usually determined by the quantity of litres bought.
NAN reports that while a litre of the product at the mega station sold at N50, in other filling stations in Abakaliki, owned by Independent Marketers, a litre was sold at N90.
However, kerosene retailers in the town sell a lucozade bottle, which is less than a litre, at N100.
NAN reports that buses fully loaded with empty containers were seen parked near the station any time kerosene was available.
Most of the buses were from Ogoja, Ikom and other neighbouring towns in Cross River State.
All efforts to speak with the NNPC Station Manager were unsuccessful.
However, a staff who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, denied allegations of fraudulent practices.
The staff said those wishing to buy the commodity were usually screened before being allowed to go in, adding that the measure was to check the activities of middlemen.
