Abia Transporters And Commuters Cries Out Over Hike In Fuel Price
Transporters and commuters in Abia State are expressing frustration over the sharp rise in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
NAN reported that Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited recently raised the pump price from ₦617 to ₦897 per liter, effective September 3.
In some areas, prices have soared to ₦1,200 per liter, significantly impacting transportation costs and the prices of goods.
Mr. Enyichi Nnadede, a tricycle operator in Aba, lamented the situation, stating, “Fuel is very costly now. We buy ₦1,200 a liter and it’s hard to make gains to feed our families.”
He expressed frustration over fluctuating prices, questioning why prices jumped overnight from ₦870 to ₦1,200.
Mr. Agu Chukwuma, another transporter in Umuahia, noted that the fuel price increase has left transporters struggling to break even.
“Some of us doing this business do not have any other thing to do. The government is pushing Nigerians too far,” he added.
A commuter, Adiele Chinaza, who travels between Aba and Umuahia for work, pleaded with the government to rethink its policies, saying, “Most Abia civil servants work from their villages, but with transport fares so high, it’s hard to meet up.”
Onyinyechi Ekwonye, a resident of Umuahia, predicted that the fuel price hike will further inflate the cost of goods and services.
“We are tired of this unending economic hardship,” she said, calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress to intervene.