Kano, Sept. 6, 2024 (TheGavel) – Residents of Kano State have voiced their concerns over the recent hike in fuel prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL), warning that the increase would deepen poverty and further strain their already difficult living conditions.
Speaking in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, Kano residents expressed frustration, noting that the sudden price surge has plunged many Nigerians into even greater economic hardship. The NNPCL Retail Management raised the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, from ₦617 to ₦897 per litre.
Alhaji Yau Mohammad, a resident of Tudun Wada, lamented that many fuel stations in his area had run out of stock, leaving motorists with no choice but to turn to roadside vendors who now charge exorbitant prices between ₦1,400 and ₦1,700 per litre.
“We are facing immense difficulties due to the sudden fuel price increase. The government must take action to address this crisis,” Mohammad urged.
Hajiya Aishatu Abdulsalam, a resident of Yankaba, shared similar sentiments, warning that the fuel price hike is having a devastating impact on the nation’s economy. She noted that rising transportation costs have led to significant increases in food prices, with some essentials now costing more than double their previous prices.
“For instance, the price of a bag of semovita has skyrocketed by over 200%, rising from ₦13,000 to ₦22,000,” Abdulsalam explained. “A 50kg bag of rice, which previously sold for around ₦83,000, now costs ₦100,000.”
The News Agency of Nigeria also reported that the transportation sector in Kano has been severely affected by the fuel price increase. Taxi drivers, commuter buses, and commercial motorcycle operators have all raised their fares by more than 50%, further burdening residents. Many citizens have resorted to walking long distances to get around the city, while others, whose destinations are too far to reach on foot, have cancelled or postponed their travel plans altogether.
“This is the reality we are facing now, and we just have to adjust to the situation,” one resident said.
The fuel price hike has added to the mounting challenges confronting Nigerians, with many calling on the government to intervene and alleviate the economic pressures on ordinary citizens.
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