By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
Following the sudden increase in the pump price of PMS by the Federal Government of Nigeria, residents of Abakaliki have expressed grievances over the development, saying that it has caused serious hardship on the people because everything in the market is very expensive, including cost of transportation.
Speaking with some of the residents including motorcyclists, commercial drivers and some traders, it was observed that the increase in fuel pump price has really affected the price of commodities and cost of transportation in Ebonyi State.
In a visit to many fuel stations in Abakaliki such as Brass Oil, Jesco, Conoil amongst others, they are selling between 180 and 190, while few others like Mobil are not selling because of scarcity.
Some of the motorcyclists like Nwochi Peter, Austin Nwakpu lamented that the new pump price has affected their transport business, since they find it difficult to buy enough fuel that will be enough for their daily work.
They therefore, called on government to take urgent steps to reduce the price since it has affected every thing.
A commercial driver, Mr. Nwali Pius said that he bought fuel at 180 Naira last week, however, it has been increased to N190, adding that fuel of N2,000 can no longer sustain his vehicle.
He further decried that the price increase has also affected cooking gas and kerosene.
Also speaking, Mrs. Esther Bassey, who deals in African salad and other foodstuff, stated that the fuel price increase has affected her seriously, since she used to buy one wheel barrow of cassava for N1,500, but it has been increased to N3,000.
She appealed to government authorities to look into the matter for the survival of the less privileged in the society.
In a visit to some major markets in Abakaliki the Ebonyi State capital, some traders lamented that their businesses are gradually going down because foodstuff are expensive, coupled with the cost of transportation.
They however, urged government to do everything possible to address the issue for the good of the common man.
