Fuel hike: Kaduna residents fear higher poverty rate
Some residents of Kaduna State have decried the recent increase in price of fuel by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL), lamenting that it would increase poverty among citizens.
Some of the residents, who spoke with the newsmen in separate interviews, said the increase had further put Nigerians into more hardship.
Supreme News reports that the NNPCL Retail Management had increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as petrol, from N617 to N897.
Mr. Victor Isa said that there was no fuel at the fuel stations in his area, a situation that made motorists resort to patronising black marketers who sell a litre at N1400 to 1700 depending on the seller.
He added that the few stations selling close to his area had long queues, with some selling and others not dispensing at all.
Isiah explained that the recent development would cause businesses to crash as the hike in petrol prices would affect prices of goods, leading to low production and patronage.
“With this increase, one thing is sure: the average lifespan of every individual would be around 30-40 years. Hunger strikes, starvation, people trekking long distances.
“The impact on transportation is beyond the moon. No more distance of 100 Naira with the bike again. From the Kuciano Hotel axis to the Post- Office Sabo that used to be 250 is now 500,” he said.
Another resident, Ibrahim Bala, said he had to park his car at home due to the hike in fuel prices, saying major marketers were selling at N950 with a long queue of vehicles waiting to buy.
According to him, the new fuel price would affect the prices of food items in markets as businessmen would have to spend more money in transporting their goods.
He said the average citizens who were hitherto living below the poverty line would face more challenges as transport fares and food prices would also shoot up.
On her part, Aisha Obodoeze , a business woman, said the development would force her to increase the price of her goods, adding she had to calculate the amount she spent on transport.
“It’s unfortunate that this is happening now with the current hardship being experienced where people hardly eat; petrol, a major determinant of people’s welfare, is on the rise.
“We can only pray to God to touch the hearts of our leaders so that they would make policies that would ease the hardship of the masses, she said.
