Residents of Kano State have expressed frustration and concern over the recent fuel price hike imposed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL), warning that it would further deepen poverty across the country.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, residents decried the hardships resulting from the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, rising from ₦617 to ₦897.
Alhaji Yau Mohammad, a resident of Tudun Wada, noted that fuel stations in his area had run out of stock, leaving motorists no choice but to buy from roadside vendors at prices ranging from ₦1,400 to ₦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 urged.
Hajiya Aishatu Abdulsalam of Yankaba also voiced concerns over the economic impact, stating that the fuel price surge had driven food prices to unprecedented levels. She pointed out that a bag of semovita had skyrocketed by 200%, now costing ₦22,000, up from ₦13,000, while a 50kg bag of rice had jumped to ₦100,000 from about ₦83,000.
The steep price hike has also had a profound effect on the transportation sector, with taxis, buses, and commercial motorcycles increasing their fares by more than 50%. This has forced many residents to walk to their destinations, while others have postponed travel plans, awaiting a time when they can adjust to the new realities.
The fuel price hike is creating widespread hardships, and Kano residents are calling on the government to address the worsening situation to alleviate the growing financial burden.
