Public Outcry Grows Over Recent Fuel Price Hike In Osun State

Public Outcry Grows Over Recent Fuel Price Hike In Osun StateResidents of Osun State are expressing deep frustration following the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Wednesday, NNPCL announced a price hike at its retail stations, raising the cost of PMS from N897 per litre to N1,030 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Similarly, in Lagos State, the price jumped from N868 per litre to N998 per litre. In some areas across the country, prices have surpassed N1,200 per litre.

The new pricing has particularly impacted Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, where many fuel stations have set their prices at N1,300 per litre. This latest increase has not only angered residents but also led to significant rises in the cost of food, transportation, and other essential goods, with prices reportedly tripling in some cases.

Fuel queues, which had started to ease in Osogbo, have returned, especially at stations with PMS readily available. Commercial transportation fares have also increased. For instance, the cost of a trip within the state rose from N150 to N200 following the NNPCL announcement.

At the Aregbe motor park, fares from Osogbo to Ibadan have climbed from N3,500 to N4,000. Commuters traveling from Osogbo to Ondo and Ore, as well as to Lagos, now face fees ranging from N6,000 to N7,000.

Speaking to DAILY POST, health worker Onigbinde Blessing criticized the rising costs imposed by commercial motorcyclists in her area, stating, “Where they once charged N150 has increased to N200. The sad thing is that this distance is trekkable. When I complained, I was informed that fuel prices have increased again. This administration is selfish and has imposed the most severe hardship on Nigerians.”

Civil servant Alade Busayo condemned the federal government for what he perceives as a deliberate effort to exacerbate the struggles of the populace. He revealed that he has not used his car in over six months due to the soaring costs. “I earn less than N80,000, and my wife is a private school teacher whose salary is not up to N40,000. I cannot use 80% of my salary to fill my tank,” he lamented.

Busayo further explained his challenges, saying, “I cannot afford the Band A electricity bill, which has already consumed over N20,000 this month. I have to switch off most appliances to avoid higher charges, which is why I use fuel at night. We cannot afford to buy electricity for another N40,000 this month if we want to eat. Life is just too tough for us. The government should help us.”

Deborah Omolayo, a trader running a frozen food store, also voiced her concerns, stating that transportation fare increases have forced her to adjust her pricing. “I used to get some of my goods at an affordable rate, but in the last year, it has been hell for us. Apart from the high transportation costs, we also have to contend with rising electricity tariffs,” she said.

Omolayo detailed the impact on her business, mentioning that a keg of groundnut oil she bought for N25,000 last week had risen to over N29,000 this week. “I don’t know what will happen next week. It is a hard time for us as a country. The government really needs to come to the aid of the masses,” she emphasized.

Commercial motorcyclist Dare Ejidiran called for the resignation of NNPCL management if they fail to resolve the issues at hand. He urged President Bola Tinubu to expose those in the oil sector contributing to the daily hardships faced by Nigerians and advocated for a recalibration of the industry to allow more indigenous operators in the downstream sector, especially refining, to address longstanding gaps.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.