Transportation fares have gone through the roof in Anambra State, with petrol selling for as high as N1,200 per litre. This drastic increase has led to a significant hike in transportation costs, with some routes experiencing a 100% increment. For instance, the fare from Awka to Onitsha has risen from N250 to N500.
The situation is not unique to Anambra, as other states are also feeling the pinch. In Ibadan, petrol prices have reached N1,080 per litre, leading to increased transportation costs. The fare from Mokola to Ojoo has risen from N500 to N600, while passengers travelling from Dugbe to Moniya now pay N900, up from N600.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that interstate transport fares increased by 20% in July, attributed to rising fuel prices. Diesel prices rose by 73.63% to N1,379.48 per litre, while petrol prices climbed to N770.54 per litre, a 28.35% increase.
In Onitsha, the price of petrol has been as high as N390 per litre, leading to a significant increase in transportation fares. A journey from Onitsha to Awka, previously N500, now costs N1,500. Tricycle and shuttle bus fares have also increased astronomically.
Commuters are feeling the pinch, with many forced to trek or seek alternative modes of transportation. In Kano and Port Harcourt, residents are trekking to avoid higher transportation costs.
The increase in transportation fares is not limited to Anambra and Ibadan. Other states, including Ondo, Rivers, and Lagos, have also experienced significant hikes. In Lagos, bus drivers are charging more than double the previous fares.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) has implemented price hikes, ranging from N855 to N897 per litre, depending on location. Independent marketers are selling petrol for between N930 and N1,200 per litre.
The situation has sparked frustration among commuters, who are struggling to cope with the increased costs. Many are calling for government intervention to alleviate the burden.
The impact of the fuel price hike is being felt across the country, with transportation costs and prices of goods and services expected to rise further. As the cost of petrol continues to soar, Nigerians are left wondering when relief will come.
