From Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

|

Commercial drivers in Ondo State have refused to lower transport fares despite recent reductions in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

They attributed their stance to the persistent high cost of vehicle maintenance and spare parts.

While many Nigerians hoped the reduction in petrol prices would ease the financial burden of transportation, drivers told The Hope that operational costs have made it impossible to reduce fares.

On December 19, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced its ex-depot petrol price to N899.50 per litre, partnering with MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations to sell at N935 per litre.

Similarly, on December 21, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) announced that NNPC had reduced its ex-depot price to N899 per litre in Lagos.

However, checks by The Hope at the weekend revealed that filling stations in Ondo and its environs were selling petrol at prices ranging from N950 to N990 per litre. Despite the reductions, transport fares remain unchanged.

Ojo Ajawole, a driver plying the Ondo-Akure route, said fares had not dropped due to the rising cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance.

“Yes, petrol prices have come down, but we’re still struggling with the high cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance. These things haven’t reduced, and they make up a big part of our expenses. We still carry Ondo to Akure for N3,000 to N2,500,” he said.

Ade, a ticketing officer at the Akure garage, explained that operational costs such as staff salaries, taxes, and union levies have also remained high, making fare reductions impractical.

“Even though the cost of petrol has dropped, other operational costs like staff salaries, taxes, and levies we pay to park unions are still the same, if not higher. It’s not just about petrol prices,” he said.

Some drivers highlighted structural issues as barriers to fare reductions. Tunji Ajao, a driver heading to Ore, suggested that subsidies for spare parts or reduced toll gate charges could make fare reductions feasible.

Another driver, who preferred anonymity, noted that union fees and increased vehicle delivery commissions further strained their finances.