By Andy Akeni
Residents of the Delta State capital, Asaba, have expressed concern over rising transport fares and hardship following the recent increase in the pump price of petrol across the country.
Recall that pump price of petrol was formerly sold between N835 and N875 in the FCT is now being sold between N1,200 and N1,350.
Following the increase, transport fare has been increased by about 100 per cent. Some commuters, who spoke to The Pointer, yesterday, said that commercial vehicles operators had already adjusted fares upward, warning that the development could worsen the cost of living.
Mrs Chichi Okereke, a civil servant, said the fare had increased within days of the fuel price adjustment.
“Last week, I paid N800 to work, but today I paid N1,000. It may look small, but when you calculate it for the whole week, it is a lot,” she said.
Another passenger, Blessing Umukoro, said she paid N700 from Okpanam to Ogbeogonogo market instead of the N500 she previously paid. A commuter, Mr Musa Abdullahi, also told NAN that he paid N1,200 from Masaka to the city centre, compared to the N700 he used to pay.
Also, Mr Johnson Ekeh, said the fare from Ibusa has increased double, adding that some drivers were taking advantage of the situation to exploit passengers.
Mr Andrew Ofili, a public servant, said transport fare increases often triggered higher food prices in markets.
“Whenever fuel goes up, transporters increase fares and traders also raise the cost of food items because of transportation. “I know that before next week, prices of some major food items will increased, as most sellers often look for reasons to increase price of their items ,” he said.
A taxi driver, Mr John Eze, said operators had little choice but to adjust fares to remain in business.
“Yesterday, I bought fuel at N1,250 per litre, but today it is N1,350. We have to adjust fares or we will run at a loss,” he said.
The Pointer crew that monitored parks reported that fewer vehicles were seen on some major roads in the city as many vehicle owners have begun to feel the impact of the fuel increase. Other drivers said increases in fuel prices often had a ripple effect across the economy, especially on transportation and food supply.
According to Mr. Ben Dike, transportation costs are a major component of the price of goods in Nigeria, particularly food transported from rural areas to urban markets.
“When fuel prices rise, transport costs increase, and traders usually pass the additional cost to consumers. This is why people fear food inflation may follow,” he said.
He advised government to strengthen social protection measures and improve mass transit systems to cushion the impact on residents.
Dike said that investment in alternative transport systems could help reduce the country’s heavy dependence on petrol-powered mobility.
