Fuel crisis: C’River residents groan as transport fares soar

IDONGESIT INYANG, CALABAR

Residents of Calabar, the Cross River State capital and its environs, have lamented the high cost of transportation occasioned by increase in pump prices of petroleum products.

Fuel price in Calabar, has risen in recent days, with petrol now selling for N1,350 per litre in many filling stations across the metropolis.

The increase marks a sharp rise from the previous pump price range of about N845 to N850 per litre, raising concerns among motorists and commuters who depend on petrol for transportation and daily activities.

Many of the residents, who spoke with our correspondent in Calabar on Tuesday, noted that the high cost of transportation has crumbled their businesses, movement and safety of the citizens.

Describing the situation as “frustrating and challenging, one of the residents in Calabar Municipality, Mr. Asuquo Etim a parent lamented the difficulty in taking his children to school.

“This is affecting most of us, parents, workers and business owners. When it is election time, they will remember us, yet we are neglected during governance” Etim also said.

While calling on the federal and state governments to address the issue, Etim, complained that “We have a government yet they are not making things easy for us. This is sad and frustrating.”

However, despite the rising pump price, there are currently no long queues at most filling stations in Calabar, as several outlets are still dispensing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).