Reporter: Somto Mmaju
Some residents of Awka, the Anambra State capital, have expressed concern over the rising price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol. They said the development has adversely affected businesses, transportation and the general cost of living in the area. When Radio Nigeria correspondent, Somto Mmaju, visited some filling stations in Anambra State, it was observed that petrol was being dispensed between one thousand, four hundred and fifty naira and one thousand, five hundred naira per litre.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the residents said the increase had made life more difficult, leaving them with no option than to cope with the situation. A businessman, Mr Charles Manchaly, said people now buy petrol with tears because they have no alternative. Another resident, Mr Tochukwu Ikeme, said he bought petrol for about one thousand, four hundred and fifty naira per litre, describing the price as high. He appealed to the government to intervene, noting that the rising cost of petrol had triggered increases in the prices of goods and services. A civil servant, Mr Peter Ifedimma, explained that the development has reduced the purchasing power of workers, as their salaries could no longer adequately meet their basic needs.
Mr Ifedimma noted that the rising cost of transportation and other essential commodities had placed additional pressure on workers. He expressed concern that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, the country continued to face economic challenges. Also speaking, a commuter, Mr Philip Obasi, stated the high cost of petrol had reduced their earnings, as fewer passengers could afford the increased transport fares. He futher explained that transport operators sometimes had to travel with empty vehicles because passengers were unable to pay the fares.
A student, Miss Ijeoma Ifunnaya, who was seen trekking home, noted that she could no longer afford the cost of transportation due to the increase in fares. Other respondents appealed to the government to urgently address the rising cost of petrol, saying the development was affecting all spheres of people.