By AISHA GAMBO

Long queues have been observed in fuel stations around Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, on Monday as the residents were seen rushing to buy fuel ahead of the planned protest.

Some of the residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that they were scared of the ‘unknown’ as youth were determined to execute the planned nationwide protest.

Muhammad Ibrahim, a journalist, said he wanted to fill his car tank to avoid any ‘unforeseen circumstance,’ adding that he bought the fuel at N780 per litre.

He explained that he was in the queue for 20 minutes before he could get fuel, saying he needed the fuel to avoidscarcity and price hike when the protest likely starts.

Similarly, a businessman, Bala Muhammad, said most of the fuel stations around his area were closed, saying that he had to drive to another area far from his residence to get fuel.

“Most of the major marketers sell fuel at N620 while others sell at N805 to N850 per litre ; the long queues may increase in the next two days.

“Though I don’t support the protest due to its numerous effects on the development of the country, I hope those planning it will do it peacefully and shun violence,” he said.

Mrs Kafayat Ibrahim, a businesswoman said, “It’s better I get this fuel now before it increases, because I heard that there is fuel scarcity in Lagos and Abuja.”

NAN reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) said that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution was caused by a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.

Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., made this known on Saturday in a statement while reacting to the current queues and scarcity being witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT. (NAN)