REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
Residents of Onitsha in Anambra State are expressing concern and frustration following a fresh hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil, commonly referred to as diesel, across the commercial city.
When Radio Nigeria correspondent, Oby Arinze, visited several filling stations in the area, it was observed that many of the outlets had not displayed their pump prices on the notice boards as is usually the practice, making it difficult for motorists and commuters to immediately determine the cost of fuel before purchase.
Between Sunday and Monday, petrol was sold for about one thousand, two hundred naira per litre, while diesel sold for approximately one thousand, five hundred naira per litre in parts of Onitsha.
However, some filling stations along Awka Road now dispense petrol at prices ranging between one thousand, three hundred and fifty naira and one thousand, four hundred and fifty naira per litre.
Similarly, filling stations located along the Onitsha Expressway were found selling petrol between one thousand, three hundred naira and one thousand, four hundred naira per litre.
Diesel, on the other hand, was being sold at prices ranging from one thousand, seven hundred naira to one thousand, seven hundred and seventy naira per litre.
Speaking on the development, a commercial driver, Mr. Boniface Mmaduabuchi, said he had not yet adjusted transport fares despite the increase in fuel prices, noting that many passengers were already struggling with the high cost of living.
Also reacting, a tricycle operator, Mr. Ebele Onyia, described the increase as sudden and unexpected, saying operators were taken by surprise by the sharp rise in the pump price of petrol.
A commuter, Mr. Gilbert Ezeanochie, who appeared visibly distressed, lamented that the prevailing economic hardship in the country was becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians. He said the persistent increase in fuel prices was further worsening the situation for the masses who rely on public transportation for their daily activities.
Mr. Ezeanochie therefore called on the government to urgently intervene and address the situation, stressing that the continuous rise in fuel prices is placing severe pressure on the already strained finances of many households.
The latest hike in fuel prices is believed to be linked to fluctuations in global crude oil prices, foreign exchange challenges affecting the importation of petroleum products, as well as adjustments in supply costs within the downstream petroleum sector.
