The recent increase in petrol prices has led to a significant hike in transportation fares within the Kaduna metropolis, leaving residents struggling to cope with the new costs.
The NNPC Ltd Retail Management approved the upward review of PMS pump price from N617 per litre to N897 per litre effective from September 3, which has had a ripple effect on the transportation sector.
A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke, have increased their fares by over 60%.
According to survey, the cost of transportation from the central market to Sabo has risen from N300 to N500, while fares to Barnawa and Nararyi settlements have increased from N250 to N400.
Commercial motorcycle operators have also doubled their fares, making it difficult for residents to afford transportation.
The hike in fares has been attributed to the high cost of petrol, which has forced operators to buy fuel from black marketers at an exorbitant price of N1,400 per litre.
Residents have expressed their frustration with the situation, lamenting that the increased transportation costs are affecting their daily lives.
Mrs. Abigail Adams, a resident of Barnawa, said she now spends N1,200 daily on transportation to and from work, which is taking a toll on her meagre salary.
She urged the government to reconsider the pump price and fast-track the payment of the new national minimum wage.
Mr. Haruna Dauda, a resident of Ungwan Romi, expressed concern about the impact of the transportation hike on parents who have to send their children to school.
With school resumption around the corner, Dauda worried about how parents would cope with the increased costs of transportation, feeding, and school fees.
“This situation is so pathetic and may get worse when our children resume school.
“Imagine the parents that have three to four children that have to go to school every day, not to mention other costs like feeding and school fees,” Dauda said.
Commercial tricycle operator, Malam Abubakar Sa’idu, said the current fares might increase further due to the high cost of petrol.
He explained that operators are finding it difficult to join queues at NNPC stations, forcing them to buy fuel from black marketers at an inflated price.
Commercial motorcycle operator, Mr. Dajuma Musaon, said the hike in fares was inevitable if they must make ends meet.
He now prefers to be stationed at strategic junctions rather than roaming around to scout for passengers.
“Most times lately, I prefer to be stationed at strategic junctions and not roaming around like I used to do before scouting for passengers,” Musa said.
The situation has left residents and operators alike calling for government intervention to address the plight of the citizenry.
It was gathered that with the increased cost of transportation, residents are struggling to make ends meet, and the situation may worsen with school resumption around the corner.
