By LUCY OGALUE

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed concern over rising transport fares following the recent increase in the pump price of petrol across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that pump price of petrol was formerly sold between N835 and N875 in the FCT is now being sold between N1,200 and N1,350.

Following the increase, transport fare have been increased by about 100 per cent.

Some commuters who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, said that commercial vehicles operators had already adjusted fares upward, warning that the development could worsen the cost of living.

Mrs Ngozi Okeke, a civil servant in Garki, said the fare from Nyanya to the city centre had increased within days of the fuel price adjustment.

“Last week, I paid N800 to work, but today I paid N1,000. It may look small, but when you calculate it for the whole week, it is a lot,” she said.

Another passenger, Theresa Godspower, said she paid N700 from Nyanya to Federal Secretariat, instead of the N500 she previously paid.

A commuter, Mr Musa Abdullahi, also told NAN that he paid N1,200 from Masaka to the city centre, compared to the N700 he used to pay.

Mr Godwin Ameh, said the fare from Lugbe to Wuse increased from N800 to N1,000, adding that some drivers were even charging up to N1,200.

Mr Amos Badifu, a public servant, said transport fare increases often triggered higher food prices in markets.

“Whenever fuel goes up, transporters increase fares and traders also raise the cost of food items because of transportation.

“The fare from Kuje to Berger has increased from N1,300 to N1,500, even bike fares have also increased.

“I know that before next week, prices of some major food items will have increased, as most sellers often look for reasons to increase price of their items,” he said.

A taxi driver, Mr John Eze, said operators had little choice but to adjust fares to remain in business.

“Yesterday, I bought fuel at N1,250 per litre, but today it is N1,350. We have to adjust fares or we will run at a loss,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that fewer vehicles were seen on some major roads in the city as many vehicle owners have began to feel the impact of the fuel increase.

An economist, Dr Ibrahim Sule, said increases in fuel prices often had a ripple effect across the economy, especially on transportation and food supply.

According to Sule, transportation costs are a major component of the price of goods in Nigeria, particularly food transported from rural areas to urban markets.

“When fuel prices rise, transport costs increase, and traders usually pass the additional cost to consumers. This is why people fear food inflation may follow,” he said.

Sule advised government to strengthen social protection measures and improve mass transit systems to cushion the impact on residents.

He also said that investment in alternative transport systems could help reduce the country’s heavy dependence on petrol-powered mobility. (NAN)

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