Transport fare has risen astronomically in some outskirts of Enugu State following the increase in the price of the premium motor spirit.
THE WHISTLER reports that the price per litre at most filling stations at Nsukka and Obollo Afor is around N1,150.
A keke operator was heard saying, “We increased the fare from Nsukka to Obollo Afor from N700 to N1,000 today because it is becoming unbearable.
“We work and whatever we generate is handed over to filling stations. I still don’t know where this country is going,” he lamented.
“I can’t imagine a trip from Fenpark to Ogige Market is now N200,” complained a passenger after quarrelling with a keke operator over the sudden hike in transport fare.
She said, “I don’t know where this country is moving to. It is a workable distance. This rubbish started today. I don’t know if filling stations are our problem or the government. We are dying.”
When our correspondent visited the park of keke operators at Orie Igboeze in Igboeze South LGA, the operators were seen complaining about “bad market”.
Their leader, one John Omeje, said, “People don’t move out any longer because of the high cost of transportation. Since this morning, I haven’t gone on a trip. Yesterday was the same thing. The price suddenly jumped to N1,150 per litre. We added fresh charges, but most passengers are not ready to pay. Some now trek.”
A vegetable seller, Mrs Jane Idoko, said the sudden transport fare hike has worsened her business.
In her words, “Whatever gains we make disappear through transportation. I think the best for me is to close my shop and wait for the day Nigeria will get better. Most of the things we do now are a waste of energy.”
