NIGERIANS across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory – Abuja, are complaining bitterly as the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, is selling for as much as N1,500 per litre nationwide .

According to the Prices across states tracked by the PUNCH, the cost of the commodity has continued to rise nationwide, selling for as high as N1,500 in many states.

In Yobe State, residents reported that petrol was selling for between N1,500 and N1,520 per litre at some filling stations in Damaturu, the state capital.

Similarly, a tricycle rider in the state capital, Musa Ibrahim, said he buys the commodity for about N1,500 per litre at some Nigerian National Petroleum Company filling stations.

Also speaking, a civil servant, Lawan Garba, said some filling stations were selling petrol at an even higher price.

“I am buying petrol at N1,520 per litre in some petrol stations,” Garba said.

In Kano State, petrol was selling for between N1,460 and N1,500 per litre at most filling stations in the metropolis. The increase has forced some vehicle owners to park their vehicles, while commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as “yan’ adaidaita sahu”, have also increased their fares by about 50 per cent, depending on the distance.

The operators who used to charge N200 for a short distance now collect N300, while they charge between N500 and N700 for longer distances.In Sokoto State, petrol prices rose to between N1,465 and N1,500 per litre in the metropolis.

Checks by our correspondent showed that the product had risen from the previous price of N1,365 per litre.

At some filling stations, including AA Rano, Shafa and Total, petrol was sold for N1,465 per litre, while major marketers sold it for between N1,470 and N1,500 per litre.

In Borno State, a litre of petrol was selling for N1,500 at filling stations in Maiduguri, the state capital.

A motorist, Ishaku Curutsi, confirmed to our correspondent that he bought petrol from Matrix filling station for N1,500 per litre on Wednesday. “I bought it this morning, and a litre at Matrix cost 1,500,” he said.

In Taraba State, the price of petrol had risen to N1,500 per litre, with motorists and commuters reporting prices of between N1,500 and N1,700 per litre at some filling stations.

The development is expected to further increase the cost of transportation and movement of goods within the state.In Zamfara State, a litre of petrol was selling for N1,500 in Gusau, the state capital, and its environs.

A visit to filling stations showed that motorists were purchasing the commodity for between N1,450 and N1,500 per litre, against the former price of N1,350.

At Danmarina filling station, motorists were seen purchasing the commodity amid complaints about the increase. One of the motorists, who gave his name as Musa Idris, said the current price was putting pressure on consumers.

• Culled from the PUNCH