The prices of kerosene and drugs have risen astronomically in Anambra State as the economic recession in Nigeria takes a heavy toll on the inhabitants of the south-east state. As at yesterday, a water bottle measure of kerosene, which used to sell for N200 to N250, went for N400.

Mrs. Chinwe Nnagbo, who sells at the Gbalingba market in the state capital Awka, said that she used to buy kerosene from the fuel station for N200 or N250 not long ago but that the price suddenly shot up to N350 per litre.

She said: “Kerosene is so expensive now but one can’t do away with it. Gas is more expensive and only the rich can afford it.

“If you decide to resort to firewood, you will need money to buy the firewood and many of the bushes where one can easily go to fetch firewood have been cut down and buildings erected there. Also, firewood is very messy and that is why people prefer to use stove for those who cannot afford gas cooker.

“We as retailers sell according to how we buy and you have to add other exigencies to be able to cover your expenses and make profit.”

When News Express visited some petrol stations in the state, most of them were discovered to lack kerosene. Jordan Petrol Station pegged their pump price at N350 per litre with few people lining up with big gallons to buy.

As for drugs, paracetamol, which used to sell for N50 per card, now goes for N70 while other drugs like Vasoprin, Amdolopine, Propanolol and Cyprotab commonly recommended by doctors for elderly people have also witnessed sharp increase in prices.

Speaking with News Express, a pensioner, Mr. Ike Okafor, who is hypertensive, said that he sent his house help to go and buy him his recommended drugs Amdolopine and Propanolol, only for him to return with the money, saying the prices have increased.

Mr. Okafor lamented: “I am not being paid my regular federal pension and state pension is nothing to write home about so you tell me how I am going to manage the situation when my two children are still struggling to eke a living.

“Nigeria is indeed done for. This country is so blessed by God but our leaders who have sold their souls to the devil decided to suck it dry like an orange leaving out the chaff for people to feed on. God is watching and He alone will judge everyone.”

•Photo shows a kerosene queue at the fuel station.

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