Fuel scarcity has persisted in Makurdi, Benue State, despite efforts by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to ensure availability of the product.

Reports gathered that most petroleum service stations in the town were out of stock, while the few providing it to motorists sell above the regulated price.

Some managers of the service stations said they sell above pump price to stay afloat in the business.

The scarcity of the product has forced transport fares up as motorists, especially motorcycle operators, had taken advantage of the situation to exploit passengers.

The DPR Controller in the state, Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman, told newsmen that the department had deployed its men to monitor the situation.

He said the department would not relent in its efforts to ensure availability of the commodity.

Abdulrahman denied involvement of his staff in hoarding of the commodity.

He said officials of the directorate were not owners of the service stations and could not be linked with acts of hoarding or price increment.

He said the directorate had deployed its staff to all parts of the town to ensure provision of the commodity to the motorists at controlled price.