Tricycle operators, commuters, others reject fuel price hike
All categories of motorists, including commuters and commercial tricycle operators, on Wednesday, in the commercial city of Kano, unanimously condemned the sudden hike in the pump price of fuel, a development that has paralysed business and commercial activities.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. retail management had on Tuesday approved an upward review of fuel pump price from N617 per litre to N897 litre, with effect from September 3.
According to a broad spectrum of motorists and commuters the PUNCH Online interviewed, they were all unanimous in their reaction that the review was uncalled for considering the prevailing economic hardship and persistent fuel scarcity in the country.
In their collective opinion, the Federal Government should rather think of alternatives to alleviate the hardship but not add more burden on the shoulders of numerous frustrated Nigerians.
Random monitoring at some fuel stations, especially those located on Airport Road in Sabon Gari, it was confirmed that they have already adjusted their fuel pump prices from the previous range of N950 to N1,000 per litre.
Also, fuel stations in Gwale, Kumbosto, Fagge, Dala, Tauroni and Nasarawa Local Government Areas have adjusted their fuel pump price to tally with the latest increment, irrespective of whether they have old stock.
Abdullahi Zubairu, who resides on Airport Road, Sabon Gari, lamented that he could no longer afford to buy petrol for his car and generator, adding that the only alternative is for him to park his car.
“I am parking my car until further notice, as well as to adjust my lifestyle to cope with the unfolding harsh economic realities.
“I have a large family of 17 members and I have to provide for them with their daily basic needs, as they rely on me for their daily needs,’’ he emphasised.
Another motorist in Unguwan Uku said he witnessed the price adjustment firsthand, as the fuel attendant adjusted the pump price from N950 to N1,400 per litre.
The NNPC Mega stations have also increased their prices from N750 to N950 per litre across all their stations, a situation that has resulted in long winding queues of vehicles waiting to purchase the product.
Another resident of Bello Road, Ibrahim Mu’azu, expressed concern about the sudden hike in fuel pump prices, which has devastated and demoralised the citizens.
The sudden hike in fuel pump prices has resulted in the upward review of prices of commodities that have skyrocketed, with some items increasing from 100 per cent to 200 per cent.
Mu’azu cited the example of sachet water (pure water) which has risen from ₦200 per bag to ₦450, depending on the company.
He said traders are at liberty to hike the prices of their commodities due to the absence of price control, a situation that is imposing more hardship on Nigerians, irrespective of their status in the country.
“The fuel price hike has completed a vicious circle as it has affected all the prices of goods and services including on transportation costs, with commercial tricycle operators increasing their fares by 200 per cent depending on the distance,“ he stated.
