Nigerian opposition slams fuel shortages

DAKAR, Senegal, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Nigeria's Opposition Party Action Congress has criticized the government for failing to end the country's lingering fuel crisis.

PANA Online reported Wednesday that the AC charged the federal government with "callousness" towards Nigeria's population by not acting decisively in ending the fuel crisis, which has crippled Nigeria's main cities and towns, including Lagos and the capital city Abuja. The recurring shortages have led to accusations and ripostes between the government and oil marketers.

The Christmas holidays combined with end-of-year festivities have aggravated the situation as many Nigerians fear that shortages will cause a rise in transport fares as well as the cost of living, preventing many from traveling home for the holidays. AC issued a statement remarking that the government has "'crossed the line from incompetence to sheer insensitivity towards the plight of Nigerians, who daily face harrowing times just to get fuel." The AC further alleged that the fuel shortages have caused many avoidable accidents, both on the roads and in homes with lethal results as motorists load extra fuel in their vehicles and hoard it in their residences.