By ADEBISI FATIMA SOGBADE

Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in Ibadan have urged the Federal Government (FG) to help proffer solutions to the biting effects of the hike in petrol prices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Ibadan that a litre of petrol, which used to be N840, recently jumped to between N1,130 and N1,300 as of Thursday.

Consequently, NAN observed that transport fares had increased by N200 or N300.

A tricycle driver, Mr Peter Adewale, said the hike has caused hardship to commuters and commercial operators alike.

“As drivers, we do not know how to work with the current price of petrol without leading to a shortage.

“With the current price of petrol, making a gain is somehow difficult. Even commuters now bargain to beat down the transport fare,” he said.

Meanwhile, a trader, Mrs Efunsunmbo Ayinde, said if the hike persisted, the cost of food items would also increase.

“This is because traders depend on transportation to convey their goods from one place to another.

“Most people earn their livelihood daily.

“For example, we have artisans and pure water sellers, who will find it difficult to eat if they do not go out to struggle daily.

“These people are mostly affected,” she said.

A government worker, Mr Simeon Andrew, confirmed that the petrol price hike has eaten into his pocket, as he now has to pay more to and from his office.

“I used to spend N3,000 to work daily, but now it’s N5,000, yet without additional budgeted money. Moreso, there hasn’t been any salary increment.

“Indeed, Nigerians are a tough set of people who rough it up on any issue that crops up.

“Notwithstanding, the Federal Government should endeavour to cushion the effects on the masses, because the suffering is too much. (NAN)

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