Petrol scarcity, price hike worsen hardship for Osun residents
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Osogbo, Osun State, has been gripped by long queues at fuel stations, soaring transport fares, and a rising cost of living, as a persistent fuel scarcity and recent price hike exacerbate daily hardships for residents.
For weeks, petrol has been in short supply across the country, with only a few filling stations remaining operational while many others have closed their gates.
Frustration is mounting among commercial drivers, private car owners, motorcyclists, civil servants, and the general populace as they struggle to cope with the ongoing crisis.
The situation worsened on Tuesday when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced a significant increase in the pump price of petrol.
Retail filling stations in Osogbo have since adjusted their prices to between N900 and N1200 per litre, further straining citizens’ finances.
As a result of this development, the number of vehicles on the roads has significantly decreased, causing transport fares to surge and forcing many residents to resort to walking or staying home.
Residents are now calling for urgent intervention from the government and stakeholders to address the scarcity and price hike.
A civil servant, Blessing Adeniji, lamented, “Before, I spent N250 on transportation to work in the morning, but now I spend N400 to N500 due to the increased bus fares. It feels like I’m using my entire salary just for transportation.”
She expressed frustration with the government’s removal of fuel subsidies without providing alternatives, saying, “If the government cannot implement a lasting policy, they should reinstate the subsidy, as many citizens are suffering.”
A Korope driver, Arowolo, shared his struggles, stating, “I operate at a loss due to the high petrol costs. If I raise transportation fares, some passengers may not be able to afford it. My family depends on my daily income, and it’s been difficult to make ends meet.”
“I plead with President Bola Tinubu to address Nigerians’ suffering as soon as possible,” he added.
