Fuel Price Hike Brings Hardship to Anambra Commuters

Motorists and commuters in Anambra State are struggling to cope with the recent hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol. As of Saturday, a liter of petrol sold for as high as N1,400 in Onitsha, N1,300 in Nnewi, N1,300 in Ekwulobia, and N1,200 in some parts of Awka.

While most petrol stations in the major cities across the state sold the product from N1,200 upward, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) sold less, citing a shortage of stock and waiting for a new supply. The NNPCL filling station in Awka, which was not currently dispensing petrol, had long queues of vehicles waiting for the product.

"We are not currently dispensing at the moment because we have run out of stock and waiting for a new supply," said a filling station manager at the NNPCL in Awka, who requested anonymity. "Most of the vehicles you see in the queues have been there for over three days. We did not sell for some days because we had to wait for a directive on the new pump price. And when the directive came, we had to adjust our meter to reflect the new price."

The fuel price hike has had a devastating impact on transportation fares, with prices increasing by as much as over 50 per cent daily. Commuters are now forced to restrict their movements to certain areas, making it difficult for them to access basic necessities.

Commercial bus driver, Mr. Okey Udo, who plies the Onitsha-Nnewi routes, said the fuel situation is unbearable, with drivers now spending most of their income on buying fuel. "Most of us have resorted to operating only during peak hours to quickly recoup the money we spend on fuel," he said.

Residents of Anambra State are also feeling the pinch, with food vendors increasing their prices due to the high cost of transportation. Mr. Nkechi Udeh, a resident of Nnewi, trekked a long distance from Triangle Roundabout to the local secretariat, citing the unaffordable transportation costs.

"This fuel situation is gradually getting out of hand and regrettably, those concerned are just watching," said commuter Ifeoma Uzor. "This is a shame for a country. I am at the park at Aroma Junction in Awka, to board a commercial vehicle going to Nnewi. It used to be N1,200, but today, it’s almost N1,800. Look at the suffering the common man is passing through in the country while our leaders don’t show empathy."