June 04, (THEWILL) – The hike in price of petrol as a result of the subsidy removal by the Federal Government, has taken a toll on Nigerians, especially Imo State.
Transportation fares have been on the rise; as this has affected daily income of Saloon owners, Dry cleaners, Fashion designers, Welders, amongst others.
Filling stations in Owerri, as at the time of filing this report, are selling a litre of fuel at N500, N550, N600 respectively; while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) mega station, located along Port-harcourt road, Owerri, was not selling.
A Saloon owner, who pleaded not to be mentioned on print, blamed the Federal government for not subsidising petrol price in the country, saying that the Nigeria has all it takes to make her citizens comfortable.
“Since the federal government announced this subsidy removal, It has been affecting my business. This ugly development has forced me to increase my charges on my customers.”
Commercial buses that operate within the metropolis have continued to charge passengers exorbitantly with various amounts to be paid by the passengers.
“I cannot imagine myself buying a litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for Six Hundred (600) Naira, per litre. I am not happy about this policy. It should be reversed immediately. Nigerians are sad over this.”
A student of the Imo State University, Owerri, Prince Ukachukwu, said the subsidy removal has been affecting him negatively, saying he could no longer feed well.
“I now spend four Hundred (400) Naira from Ama-wire Orji to IMSU junction on daily basis, unlike before that I used to spend only N200. This is saddening. Government should please, come to our aid.”
Others that granted interview, also appealed with the State government to regulate transportation fare being charged by commercial drivers.
They urged the Imo State Ministries of Transportation and Petroleum respectively, to monitor the unapproved charges by the filling stations in the state.
