Residents of Kubwa, FCT, on Saturday commended the Federal Government for ensuring adequate fuel supply during the Christmas celebrations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents who monitored the fuel situations in the town, reports that the residents have been buying fuel freely without any queue at the filling stations.
NAN recalls that fuel scarcity marred Christmas celebrations in Abuja last year as many filling stations had no fuel while the few ones that sold had to content with long queues.
Mr Emeka Orakwe, a property consultant, told NAN that the development was a sign of committed leadership, aimed at alleviating the suffering of the masses.
He said that it was unusual for the yuletide to come without experiencing acute fuel scarcity.
“We all know how it used to be; people create artificial scarcity to either enrich themselves or to spite the government.
“Of course, the common man is always at the receiving end.
“The government really needs commendation for blocking all loopholes that could lead to scarcity of fuel in this period.’’
Mr Tony Adesuwa, a business man, said he was marvelled when he drove into a filling station on of the eve of Christmas and bought fuel in three minutes.
He said that previous incidents of fuel scarcity were not because the product was not available but it was due to the activities of saboteurs.
“Lets keep sentiments aside, President Jonathan deserves commendation.’’
Another resident, Mrs Joy Ibekwe, a civil servant, regretted that transporters still hiked their fares in spite of the available of fuel.
She said that there was need to put machinery in place to checkmate the excesses of transporters at festive periods.
“The government has tried in the aspect of fuel availability but it ought to monitor the activities of transporters during the yuletide and New Year celebrations.
“There is almost a 100 per cent increase in fares without a corresponding increase in fuel price.
“Should the government fold its arms and watch while the transporters take advantage of the populace.’’
The Federal Government had earlier assured Nigerians that there would be an uninterrupted fuel supply throughout the season.
