ABUJA, Nigeria, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Nigerians called for a general strike to protest the removal of petroleum subsidies that caused prices at the pump to surge Sunday.
Chaos was reported in some cities at gasoline stations, many of which closed to protest the new policy.
Other stations were reportedly doubling their prices with a gallon priced as high as $12.48 in some areas.
A coalition of labor and other groups called for a strike, The (Lagos) Guardian reported Tuesday.
At some gas stations, fights were reported, as some gas stations closed to protest the new policy while others took advantage of the situation with exploitative pricing, the newspaper said.
"Government's decision is very hasty and callous. Government does not have the feelings of the masses at heart. Government is just wicked," said Martin Gijo, a taxi driver.
The policy was changed less than a week after Minister of Finance Okonjo Iweala said the government had no specific plans for "subsidy removal."
The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory agency urged consumers to remain calm.
"Consumers are assured of adequate supply of quality products at prices that are competitive and non-exploitative and so there is no need for anyone to engage in panic buying or product hoarding," the agency said in a statement.
