By Samuel Edu,
Jimoh Ahmed,
Adedotun Aderoboye
& Kayode Afolabi
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Prices of commodities and essential services have shot up following the increase in pump price by marketers across the country.
Most affected is the transportation sector where commercial motorists and motorcyclists known as okada protested in Akure, the state capital yesterday.
The drivers who stayed off the streets from hours were protesting the hike in the price of premium motor spirit from N195 to N500 per litre.
Prices of petrol products shot up immediately President Bola Tinubu declared fuel subsidy as dead and gone for good at his inauguration on Monday.
Our correspondents observed that many fuel stations who have reopened for business are now selling at N500 per litre or more.
Expectedly, traders have responded to the hike with an increase in their wares attributing the hike to increase in petrol price.
Many car owners have abandoned their cars for public transportation where available while some federal workers have declared holiday for themselves, saying they can’t afford the transport fares.
The Hope also gathered that many people who are planning ceremonies have either cancelled, suspended or shifted them.
The least price per drop in Akure, the state capital is now N200 as against the usual N100
Report from Ondo North Senatorial District said commercial motorcyclists now charge between N150 and N200 per drop, depending on the negotiating ability of passengers.
The journey from Owo to Ikare has gone up from N1000 it used to be to N1500.
In their reactions, people have been asking if NNPC really have enough of the product in stock.
Report said from Ore to Akure is now N3000 against N1500 while from Ore to Okitipupa is now N1000 as against N500.
A private vehicle owner, Ronke Adelakun said “with the announcement of N500 per litre, my vehicle has gone on holiday because I cannot afford it.
“My salary is not even okay for the family expenses, not to talk of buying fuel for N500 per litre. If this persists, I might have no other alternative than to sell off the car.”
An Okeagbe Akoko a community leader, Mr Idowu Durojaye, called on the federal government to monitor the programme honestly not to allow unscrupulous elements truncate the good intentions of the Tinubu administration.
A motorist from Ikaram Akoko, Alhaji Yahya Thanni appealed to the federal government to provide palliatives for the downtrodden.
Thanni also called on state government to ensure that their Petrol Task Force move round filling stations to check sharp practices by fuel dealers and owners who always cut their metres to make illegal money.
Meanwhile, many residents have either postponed or shifted their social events because of the increase in services and commodities to avoid embarrasment.
An Ugbe Akoko, a resident, Alhaja Halimat Sharafa, disclosed that she had to shift the naming ceremony of her new baby because of the hike in price of fuel.
Halimat said she has to do this because of her relatives coming from her hometown in Oyo who are coming to rejoice with her being her first child since she got married 5 years ago.
In the same vein, a school proprietor, Mrs Aanuoluwa Abraham, said she had to postpone the 5th anniversary of her school because of the invited guests who may be coming from far distances.
According to Mrs Abraham, the hike in fuel price and the resultant increase in transport fares by motorists may make it hard for many to travel.