Fuel price hike: Gombe commuters, residents tell tales of pain
In a shocking turn of events, motorists and residents in Gombe State find themselves grappling with the repercussions of a sudden spike in petroleum prices, reaching an alarming 670 naira per litre in some petrol stations within the metropolis. The swift increase has left the community reeling and expressing their discontent.
Idris Musa, a tricycle operator, shared his frustration with our correspondent, recounting how he purchased fuel at 550 naira earlier in the day, only to witness an unexpected surge within a mere hour.
This unforeseen development has severely impacted his profit margins, making it increasingly challenging for him to sustain his livelihood. As passengers shy away due to the exorbitant fares, the situation worsens, exacerbating the already dire circumstances.
Musa lamented the lack of positive outcomes since the removal of fuel subsidies, highlighting the adverse effects on ordinary citizens.
A fuel attendant at one of the filling stations, who identified himself as Usman, corroborated the abrupt price change, citing a shift around 11 a.m.
He expressed despair over the dwindling patronage, as customers steer clear due to the soaring fuel costs.
Mallam Hassan Boline, the Deputy Chief of Tashan Dukku Motor Park, acknowledged the saddening fuel price hike and the impending consequences it would have on transport fares.
While the park has not yet raised prices, an inevitable upward adjustment is being considered. He expressed sympathy for the hardship faced by the less privileged, emphasizing the unfortunate circumstances they find themselves in.
Abdulhamid Muhammad, a bread seller, voiced his distress over the immediate ripple effects of the fuel price increase. He revealed that the cost of essential goods has surged in tandem, such as a bag of sugar jumping from 38,000 to 40,000 naira. Muhammad further disclosed that their union is contemplating a strike on the 24th of this month if the escalating prices persist.
Analysts, as reported by ICIR, believe that the price surge will persist until the naira stabilises against the dollar, a challenge exacerbated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign exchange unification policy, which has introduced intense volatility to the local currency.
Notably, on June 30th, Mike Osatuyi, the National Controller Operations of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, warned Nigerians in a BBC interview to brace themselves for prices potentially reaching as high as 700 naira per litre.
