Residents in Enugu Decry Soaring Transportation Costs Amid Fuel Price Increase

Residents of Enugu, Nigeria, have raised concerns about the steep rise in transportation costs within the metropolis, leading to significant hardship among the people. The removal of fuel subsidies and the absence of palliative measures after five months have contributed to the increased transportation expenses, leaving many residents struggling and resorting to covering long distances on foot.

Commuters lamented the recent slight increase in transportation costs, exacerbated by the rise in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol) from the official price of N650 per litre to N665 and N670 in most fueling stations in Enugu. In other areas like Nsukka and Oji River, the price of petrol reportedly ranges from N670 to N680 per litre.

Transporters and tricycle operators expressed their helplessness in addressing the situation, attributing the high transport fares to the soaring cost of fuel and the daily levy imposed by the government, which has increased to N400 per day. Commuters, including schoolchildren, are grappling with the impact, with some students forced to trek long distances to reach their schools.

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While residents acknowledge the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies, they criticize the lack of government plans to mitigate the effects, particularly in terms of transport palliatives. Calls have been made for the Enugu state government to consider measures to alleviate the burden on residents, such as attracting foreign direct investment and providing transport palliatives for civil servants, who are among the least paid in the country.

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