Fuel hike angers Taraba motorists

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Motorists in Taraba State on Sunday expressed dissatisfaction over the rising price of petrol, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited retail outlets in Jalingo selling the product at N1,425 per litre, while other filling stations dispense it at N1,470 per litre.

The development has triggered complaints among commercial and private motorists, who say the prices have continued to put pressure on their daily expenses despite the federal government’s announcement of a fuel discount on October 1.

A commercial driver, Moses Ate, said the rising cost of petrol was making it increasingly difficult for drivers to earn enough to support their families. He lamented that the frequent increases in pump prices had raised operating costs and reduced the money drivers took home after each day’s work.

Another driver, Bashir Ahmed, questioned the impact of the federal government’s discount announcement, saying motorists in Jalingo were yet to experience the expected relief at the pump.

Thus, he urged the relevant authorities to explain how the discount was being implemented and why petrol continued to sell above the announced N1,350 per litre.

Similarly, Sylvester Atta lamented that the high cost of petrol was putting commercial drivers under growing financial pressure. He said drivers faced a difficult choice between increasing transport fares, which could discourage passengers, and maintaining existing fares at the expense of their earnings.

The development has also raised concerns about the impact of petrol prices on transport fares in Jalingo and suburbs.

More motorists and commuters who spoke to our correspondent expressed concerns over the October 1 discount announcement, saying the announcement has not translated into any reduction in fares, as the cost of daily transportation continues to burden residents.

They called on the federal government and petroleum marketers to clarify the implementation of the discount and explain the disparity between the announced price and the actual pump prices in Jalingo.

The motorists and commuters also urged the authorities to ensure that any promised relief reaches consumers and helps ease the burden of rising fuel costs.

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