Motorists and commuters across Anambra State are grappling with the sharp rise in petrol prices, with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, now selling at exorbitant rates. On Saturday, reports from major cities like Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, and Awka revealed prices ranging from N1,200 to N1,400 per litre.
A detailed survey of petrol stations across these cities showed that most were dispensing fuel at over N1,200 per litre, with Onitsha recording the highest price at N1,400. In contrast, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) stations offered slightly lower rates, but many were not dispensing due to stock shortages, resulting in long queues.
At an NNPCL station in Awka, a manager, who requested anonymity, confirmed that their station was not dispensing fuel due to depleted stocks. “We are out of stock and awaiting new supplies. Some vehicles in the queue have been waiting for over three days,” the manager explained.
He further revealed that before running out of stock, the station had been selling fuel between N780 and N820 per litre. However, upon receiving a directive to adjust the pump price, the station raised the price to N920 per litre, though the peteol prices continues to fluctuate based on official signals.
As a result of the skyrocketing fuel prices, transportation costs in Anambra State have surged by over 50%, causing severe disruptions for commuters. Routes such as Onitsha to Awka, previously priced at N1,000, now cost N1,600, while trips from Upper Iweka to Oba have increased from N500 to over N700.
This increase in transport costs has also had a ripple effect on the prices of goods and services, particularly foodstuffs. Vendors cite the high cost of transportation as the primary reason for hiking prices, further straining the already tight budgets of residents.
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Commercial bus drivers have expressed their frustration over the fuel crisis, noting that a significant portion of their earnings is now spent on purchasing fuel. One driver, Mr. Okey Udo, who plies the Onitsha-Nnewi route, shared his struggles: “The current fuel situation is unbearable. We are now forced to operate during peak hours just to recover the money we spend on fuel. Passengers are fewer on the roads, with many opting to walk due to the high transport fares.”
Similarly, residents are adjusting their daily routines to cope with the rising transportation costs. Nkechi Udeh, a resident of Nnewi, shared that she now walks long distances to her workplace at the local secretariat to save on transport costs. “Before the hike, tricycle operators charged N200, but now they ask for N400. I’ve started walking to work to avoid being stranded,” she said.
The widespread frustration among motorists and commuters has led to increased calls for the government to address the worsening fuel situation. A commuter at Aroma Junction in Awka, Ifeoma Uzor, expressed her concerns: “This fuel crisis is getting out of hand, and it’s disappointing that the authorities seem unconcerned. It’s a shame for the country. Transport fares are rising daily, and the burden on ordinary citizens is unbearable.”
As Anambra residents continue to feel the pinch of rising fuel prices, the demand for immediate intervention from the government and relevant authorities grows louder. The current economic hardships, exacerbated by the fuel crisis, have left many hoping for swift relief.
