Transport costs soar 50% as fuel prices hit N1,250 in Borno

Residents of Maiduguri have expressed their frustration over a 50 per cent increase in transportation costs, following a surge in fuel prices to N1,250 at private filling stations on Wednesday.

Our correspondent in Maiduguri reports that many filling stations remain closed, including the NNPC retail outlet, while those still operating have set the price at N1,250.

A resident, Babagana Wakil, told PUNCH Online, “I just bought fuel not long ago along Baga Road. From Baga Road to Maimalari, only one filling station is open, and it’s selling for N1,250 as of this evening.”

He continued, “This government is frustrating us. I am not happy with what’s happening at all. Amidst this hardship, they increase fuel prices again? This is unacceptable,” he lamented.

Another resident, Mabel Jeremiah, shared her experience with the rising cost of transportation, saying, “I went for church practice this evening, and I was shocked that no tricycle riders agreed to carry me for the usual N150. I had to pay N250 to get to church from Modugari to Damboa Road. For how long will we endure this?”

Muhammad Hassan, another resident, said, “I left the Polo area for Westend around 6 pm, and instead of the usual N350, I spent N450. Thank God I had enough money with me, or I would have had to walk home.”

Meanwhile, PUNCH Online gathered that NNPC outlets are currently not dispensing fuel in the town, and tricycle riders are relying on independent and black-market sellers for fuel.

“I’ve had to increase my fares. I bought fuel from a black market vendor at the Modugari bus stop for N1,500 when my fuel ran out. I can’t maintain the old prices,” said a tricycle rider, Illiyasu Ibrahim.

However, another resident, Ajas Jubulu, who runs a phone charging business in the Wulari area, said he bought fuel at N1,150 earlier in the day.

“I’m unaware of the current price this evening, but I bought fuel for my generator this morning at N1,150,” he stated.

“I am unaware of the price this evening, but I bought fuel for my generator this morning at the rate of 1150” he stated.