Fuel Price Hits ₦400 Per Litre In Umuahia, Motorists Raise Alarm

MOTORISTS and residents in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, are expressing frustration as the price of petrol rises to ₦400 per litre in many filling stations across the city.

According to investigations, the sharp increase in price is largely due to rising demand from neighbouring Imo State, where fuel prices are even higher—ranging from ₦500 to ₦600 per litre.

A local transporter told Vanguard that drivers and buyers from Imo State are now coming to Umuahia in large numbers to buy fuel at cheaper rates, even at ₦400 per litre.

“We are suffering here. The fuel they are rushing to buy is now expensive for us. It’s affecting our business and daily life,” he said, calling on the Abia State Government to intervene.

The ongoing crisis is linked to a dispute between petrol marketers and the Imo State Government. Marketers in Imo are demanding a ₦100 million compensation for a destroyed fuel station owned by one of their members.

However, the Imo State Governor reportedly refused to pay, insisting he would not be pressured into doing so. He advised fuel consumers in the state to buy petrol from neighbouring states.

This response angered the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which then placed an embargo on fuel supply to the entire South-East region, worsening the situation.

A government official in Umuahia, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the Abia State Government is aware of the fuel price hike and is working to address the issue.

According to the source, Abia officials have reached out to NUPENG for help. However, the union advised the state to pressure the Imo State Governor through the South-East Governors’ Forum to resolve the matter.

“We are hopeful that the issue will be resolved by next week with the help of the regional governors,” the official said.

The government is asking residents and motorists in Umuahia to remain patient as efforts continue to restore normal fuel prices in the city.