Some commercial drivers in Bauchi have expressed concern over the recent hike in fuel prices amid declining patronage.
Reporters observed on Tuesday in Bauchi that pump prices had increased by about 40 per cent in the last four weeks. A litre of petrol now sells for between N1,350 and N1,380, up from N870 previously. This has led to a corresponding rise in transport fares across motor parks.
Mr Yunusa Kazim, a commercial driver, said the surge in petrol price has negatively affected his business.
“I am now recording low patronage because many traders prefer sending goods through waybill services instead of travelling, in order to cut costs,” he said.
A resident, Mr Joseph Maikasuwa, said the rising cost of fuel has forced him to park his car and resort to public transportation.
“I can no longer afford to fuel my car regularly. Using public transport is now more economical for me,” he said.
Stephen Akintola, Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Bauchi State, said the fuel price hike is affecting transport operators, commuters, and traders alike.
He noted that the union has tried to avoid charging excessive fares despite the increase in fuel costs.
“The fare from Bauchi to Abuja now ranges between N15,000 and N25,000, depending on the type of vehicle, compared to N12,000 before,” he said.
“We have tried to be considerate in adjusting fares, even with the high cost of fuel,” Akintola added.
He called for proactive measures to regulate pump prices in order to ease the burden on citizens.
