Fuel Pump Price Rises To N1500 In Enugu.

The pump price of fuel in some filling stations in Enugu is now N1500 , a situation that has forced many transporters to increase transport fares.

Our checks revealed that many people have now resorted to trekking long distances to their workplaces, schools and markets following sharp increase in transport fares.

Checks across major parts of Enugu metropolis including Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa, New Haven and Uwani revealed that many commuters now walk between one and three bus stops to cut transportation costs.

The development followed a recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, which now sells between about ₦1400 and 1500 per litres in various parts of Enugu.

The price was previously around ₦900 to ₦850 per litre before the latest hike.

Most of the commercial transport operators, who spoke to Leadership in an exclusive interview claimed that the rising cost of fuel has forced them to increase fares on many routes in the city.

In some parts of the metropolis, the fare per bus stop has increased from about ₦300 to ₦400, while longer routes have also recorded similar increases.

A popular commercial bus driver operating along Ugwuaji and Timber Junction axis, Mr. Ibekwe Uzoegbu, stated that the adjustment in fares was unavoidable.

“The price of petrol we buy everyday has increased too much and we cannot run our vehicles at a loss, so we have no option but to increase fares.”

But, many commuters who spoke with our correspondent expressed frustration over the situation, alleging that transporters are now exploiting them because of the fuel crisis.

Our investigations revealed that many filling stations may likely increase the pump price of fuel to between 1800 and 2000 before the end of this week.