By Juliet Jacob Ochenje
The recent announcement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of a new increment in fuel prices has caused a stir among citizens in Nigeria. The cooperation stated that the new fuel price would be N617 per liter, as opposed to the current price of N520 per liter.
Following this announcement, the African Health Report (AHR) went to the streets of Abuja to capture the reaction of the people. The majority of the citizens expressed anger and frustration at the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.
Many citizens argue that the new fuel price would only worsen the economic hardship already being experienced by the masses. A resident, Miss. Matilda Joy lamented that “the government just keeps increasing the prices of everything, making it difficult for the common Nigerian to survive.
Joy stated: “Before the fuel hikes I was spending N800 naira to my business place daily but now I spent about N2000 on transportation fairs which also affects my business too. I urge the government to put in measures that will cushion the effect occasioned by the fuel price hike.
Another resident, who begged to remain unnamed, said, “I am not surprised by this development. We have been experiencing fuel price hikes for years, and the government is not responding to our pleas. Unfortunately, many individuals won’t survive this, especially government servants whose meager income might all be used to pay for gasoline and transportation to work.”
Also, a visit to some petrol stations in Abuja revealed that some were empty due to the low demand for fuel caused by the increase in fuel prices.
“This filling station used to be crowded like a market, but today it is as silent as a cemetery. Most drivers prefer to take public transportation and leave their cars parked at home to save cost, according to Monday Akor, a gasoline attendant at AYM Shafa Filling station in Dutse Buapuma.
