Motorists on Wednesday thronged MRS filling stations across Lagos following a reduction in the pump price of petrol from N890 to N739 per litre, a development that eased fuel costs but resulted in long queues across the metropolis.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, who monitored activities at several filling stations, long but orderly queues emerged at various MRS outlets in Lagos on Wednesday.

The stations visited by NAN were located at Alaka, Onipanu, Anthony, Alapere, Oba Akran Road, Kodesho Street in Ikeja around the Computer Village axis, Iju Road by Pen Cinema, Abule-Egba and the Ojota Bus Stop area.

NAN reported that there was noticeable vehicular congestion around many of the filling stations, with several motorists spending hours on queues, encouraged by the significant price difference between MRS outlets and other petrol marketers.

There was widespread compliance with the price directive issued by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which mandated all MRS retail outlets nationwide to sell petrol at the adjusted rate.

Motorists and commuters described the price reduction as a timely relief amid prevailing economic pressures, particularly during the Christmas and New Year festive period.

They noted that the reduction had helped to ease transportation costs, which had been a major concern for many residents in recent weeks.

Some commuters told NAN that the price drop was already beginning to reflect in reduced transport fares in certain parts of the city.

They urged transport operators to fully transfer the benefits of the petrol price reduction to passengers.

The commuters also called on the Federal Government and other major oil marketers to replicate the initiative nationwide, while appealing to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to extend the price relief to rural and hinterland communities.

However, NAN observed that a few MRS filling stations along Liasu Road in Idimu and Akowonjo areas were still dispensing petrol at about N880 per litre.

A pump attendant at one of the affected stations, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the higher pump price to logistical challenges, including poor road conditions that were affecting fuel supply.

NAN further reported that other marketers, including NNPC Ltd., AP, Mobil, Northwest, Petrocam and several independent operators, continued to sell petrol at prices ranging between N880 and N890 per litre.

Commenting on the development, Mr Joshua Francis, a lecturer, commended the Dangote Petroleum Refinery for what he described as a laudable intervention.

He urged the government and other marketers to consider further reductions in petrol prices during the yuletide period.

Similarly, Mrs Alice Bamdele, a businesswoman, called for the deployment of monitoring teams to check fuel meters and sanction filling stations involved in under-dispensing of petrol.

Mr Olarenwaju Saliu, a transporter, appealed for improved fuel dispensing systems at MRS stations in order to reduce queues and ease the stress faced by motorists.