By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Fuel crisis grips OAU students, threaten mass action
The Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union has voiced out against the escalating fuel crisis plaguing students due to the sudden surge in pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). In a statement released by the union’s president, Abbas Ojo, the Federal Government is urged to swiftly address the pressing issues to avert mass protests.
Since the weekend, long queues have been witnessed at filling stations in Ogun and Lagos states, with some stations even shuttered. The scarcity has led to PMS prices skyrocketing to as high as N700-N800 per liter, causing a ripple effect on transportation fares.
According to reports, supply issues have been cited by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as the cause of the queues, urging consumers to remain patient. However, this explanation offers little solace to students like Tomisin Bakare, who shared his dismay at purchasing fuel for N700 per liter after enduring a lengthy queue.
The dire situation isn’t confined to Lagos and Ogun; students around the Osun campus also face inflated transportation costs. President Ojo emphasized that the government’s economic policies have burdened students, with last year’s removal of fuel subsidies exacerbating the challenges.
The union demands immediate government action to address fuel scarcity, curb suspected hoarding, and regulate prices. Additionally, they call for the revival of the country’s refineries to tackle the root cause of the crisis. The ultimatum is clear: if the government fails to meet their demands within 48 hours, students will take to the streets until the fuel crisis is resolved, safeguarding their academic pursuits.
Fuel Crisis grips, Students’ Union