Kano residents lament fuel price hike, rising poverty

Residents of Kano State have expressed dismay over the recent fuel price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL), stating that it would exacerbate poverty among the citizens.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the residents lamented that the hike had plunged Nigerians into further hardships.

The NNPCL Retail Management increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from ₦617 to ₦897.

However, Alhaji Yau Mohammad of Tudun Wada, said that fuel stations in his area had run out of stock, forcing the motorists to patronise roadside vendors who charge between ₦1,400 and ₦1,700 per litre.

“We are facing immense difficulties due to the sudden fuel price increase.

”The government must take action to address this crisis,” Mohammad appealed.

Hajiya Aishatu Abdulsalam of Yankaba, expressed concerns that the fuel price hike has a devastating impact on the nation’s economy.

She cited the examples of the skyrocketing food prices, including a 200 per cent increase in the cost of a bag of semovita.

Abdulsalam said it now costs ₦22,000 from the previous ₦13,000 and a 50kg bag of rice now costs ₦100,000 from about N83,000.

NAN reports that the obnoxious situation had adversely impacted the transport sector in the state, with taxis, commuter buses and commercial motorcycles increasing their charges by more than 50 per cent.

This has further compelled the residents to resort to trekking to reach their various destinations in and around the state capital.

Others whose destinations are not easy to trek to have shelved their travel plans, saying, ”this is pending the time we will adjust to the situation.”( NAN)