Gombe, September 6, 2024 (TheGavel) — In light of a recent significant increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, residents of Gombe have urgently appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider and reverse the recent hike.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised the pump price of PMS from N617 to N897 per litre at its outlets. This abrupt adjustment has led to even higher prices at many petrol stations, with some now charging between N1,050 and N1,100 per litre. Black market vendors are exploiting the situation further, selling petrol for as much as N1,400 per litre or more.
A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who surveyed the Gombe metropolis noted that the hike has led to severe challenges for residents. The increased cost of petrol has exacerbated the already difficult economic conditions for many.
Malam Nuhu Khalid expressed profound concern about the impact of the price increase. He described the situation as worsening the hardship experienced by residents, stating, “Nigerians were already struggling with soaring food prices, and this new petrol price hike has further made life unbearable for most people. I am appealing that the price be reversed because the impact is very devastating.”
Mrs. Helen Uche, a trader at the Gombe Main Market, highlighted the broader economic implications of the price hike. She warned that the increase would likely lead to a further rise in the prices of goods and services, potentially crippling businesses and fueling inflation. Uche remarked, “Before this new petrol price, despite the fact that farmers had started harvesting crops, the prices of grains and some other produce were not decreasing. With the new hike in petrol price, I am afraid if Nigerians will be able to afford foodstuffs in the market now. We are begging that the government should consider Nigerians and revert to the old pump price given the effect of petrol.”
Abdul Ali, a motorcyclist operating in Gombe, pointed out the direct impact on his profession. He explained that many commercial motorcyclists are abandoning their jobs due to the reduced profitability. Ali said, “Many commercial motorcyclists have abandoned the business because the job is no longer lucrative as before. Imagine buying fuel for N1,400 at the black market, which most of us patronize, and ending up making a profit of between N2,000 and N2,400 per day. If you remove the money to pay the owner of the motorcycle, you may end up with less than N1,000 as your take-home. We are appealing to the government to pity us because we are suffering.”
A civil servant from the Gombe state civil service, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the potential for increased crime rates due to the economic strain. “Life has become more difficult in the last 24 hours following the sudden hike. If the new price is sustained, it may further increase crime rates. This situation will lead to more job losses, which will exacerbate the suffering of ordinary people. The government should look into the pains of the masses,” the civil servant said.
The dramatic increase in petrol prices has sparked widespread concern among Gombe residents, who are calling for immediate government intervention to address the economic challenges they are facing. (NAN)
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