The residents of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa have voiced their shock and disappointment over the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by NNPC Retail Management.
According to reports, NNPC Retail Management approved a rise in the pump price from N617 per litre to N897 per litre, effective from September 3. This increase comes amid ongoing economic hardship and persistent fuel scarcity.
Immediately following the price hike, NNPC retail stations updated their pumps and price boards to reflect the new price of N897 per litre. However, many residents in Maiduguri, Yola, and Damaturu noted that fuel was often unavailable at the new price, leading them to purchase it from the black market at rates of N1,000 per litre or more.
In Maiduguri, most filling stations are out of fuel, and those that do have it are charging upwards of N1,100 per litre, causing a 30 percent increase in transport fares. Despite this, the Borno Government’s mass transit taxis and buses continue to charge old rates of N100 per drop for taxis and N50 for buses.
Yakubu Baba, a civil servant, criticized the timing of the price increase, pointing out that it coincided with the government’s failure to implement a new minimum wage. He described the situation as punitive for workers and Nigerians.
In Yola, the capital of Adamawa, where fuel is selling for N1,100 to N1,200 per litre, transport fares have also risen by 30 percent. Residents condemned the increase, calling for a reversal.
Malam Buba Ali, a driver, said the increase has severely impacted intra and interstate transportation, turning it into a struggle for survival rather than a profitable venture. Dahiru Buba, Chairman of IPMAN in Adamawa, warned that the hike could drive some members out of business.
In Damaturu, Yobe’s capital, residents reported worsened fuel scarcity due to the hike. Alhaji Baba Dan’Iya, a businessman, described the increase as a “double blow” to an already struggling economy. Malam Bukar Modu, a commercial driver, noted that the hike has significantly raised operational costs and transportation fares.
Alhaji Faruq Mamman, a farmer, expressed concern that the price increase would lead to higher costs for agricultural inputs and food items. He highlighted the dependence of farmers on affordable transportation for moving produce to market.
Mr. Suleiman Sani, a civil servant, urged the government to reconsider the price hike and address the associated hardships. He emphasized that the burden of economic challenges should not fall solely on ordinary citizens.
Reports indicate that many filling stations in Damaturu remain closed due to fuel scarcity, and those that are open are selling fuel at exorbitant prices, ranging from N1,450 to N1,500 per litre.