Warri and Effurun Residents Protest Fuel Scarcity and Price Hike

On Wednesday, commercial tricycle operators, commonly known as ‘Keke riders,’ joined forces with aggrieved women and youths in Warri and Effurun, Delta State, to stage a peaceful protest against the ongoing fuel scarcity and the recent hike in the price of premium motor spirit (PMS).

By 9:00 a.m., the streets of the metropolis were filled with protesters, including hundreds of market women and Keke riders, who marched along major roads, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and reverse the escalating fuel prices. The protesters, holding placards and chanting slogans, expressed their frustration and anger as fuel prices have surged to nearly N1,100 per litre, deepening their economic struggles.

Among the placards were messages such as “Tinubu, intervene now to alleviate commuters’ suffering”; “Tinubu, activate Warri and Kaduna refineries without further delay”; and “We are suffering in silence, the fuel price hike is a killer.” The demonstrators implored President Tinubu to take swift action to address the dire situation and provide relief to Nigerians.

it was reported that some of the protesters marched from the popular Deco Road towards Enerhen, voicing their grievances over the unbearable hike in fuel prices, compounded by the scarcity of the commodity. Additionally, it was observed that most filling stations along the Warri-Sapele road were closed to motorists on Wednesday morning. The few stations that were open sold petrol at prices exceeding N1,000 per litre.

This situation had a ripple effect on commuters within the metropolis and interstate travelers, as motorists were forced to increase transport fares. The usually bustling Airport Junction in Effurun, a key hub for interstate transportation, was unusually quiet on Wednesday as frustrated travelers struggled to purchase tickets, while transporters lamented their inability to secure fuel.

Anaedoonline