*Demand Reversal
Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi in Kano
Kano residents, including commuters and commercial tricycle operators, on Wednesday, in the commercial city-state, unanimously condemned the sudden hike in the pump price of fuel, a development that has paralysed business and commercial activities.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited had on Tuesday approved an upward review of fuel pump price from N897 per litre to N1,030 litres.
According to survey by the Africa Health Report Correspondent, motorists and commuters, who form an essential part of the city’s transportation network, have seen their earnings dwindle due to the increased cost of fuel.
In their collective opinion, the Federal Government should rather think of alternatives to alleviate the hardship not add more burden on already frustrated Nigerians.
Random monitoring at some fuel stations, especially those located on Airport Road in Sabon Gari, it was confirmed that they have already adjusted their fuel pump prices from the previous range of N1,300 to N1,350 per litre, while some pilling stations were closed.
Also, fuel stations in Gwale, Kumbosto, Fagge, Dala, Tarauni and Nasarawa Local Government Areas have adjusted their fuel pump price to tally with the latest increment, irrespective of whether they have old stock.
Tricycle operators, “This fuel price hike is unbearable,” said Sulaiman Sani, a tricycle operator. “We are already struggling to make ends meet, and this increase will only make things worse for us.”
Many residents expressed similar predicament, arguing that the hike is a heavy burden on their households, especially as prices of other essential goods and services continue to rise.
A student of Bayero University, Kano, Najib Tijjani, said: “This fuel price hike is a total disaster for students like me. I rely on public transportation to get to school every day, and now I’ll have to spend more money just to get there. It could really strain my budget.”
Another resident, a business man at the popular Kwari Textile Market, Lawal Sabo, stated that: “I’m so frustrated with this government. They keep raising prices of everything, and it’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet. My family is struggling to afford basic necessities, and this fuel price hike is just adding to our problems.”
Sani Abdulhamid, a resident of Kano said: “I used to be able to afford to take a taxi to work, but now it’s just too expensive. I have to take the a Keke-Napep (Ada-dai ta sahu), which is always crowded and uncomfortable. It’s a nightmare.”
