FCT Residents Decry Rising Transport Fares Amid Fuel Scarcity

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed frustration over rising transport fares, which have severely impacted their daily activities and business operations. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), many residents lamented the non-availability of fuel, despite the recent hike in its price, as the main factor driving up transportation costs.

According to the residents, fuel scarcity has made movement within the city difficult, with many unable to attend to personal or business engagements. They noted that the situation has significantly disrupted their routines, as the cost of getting around the city has skyrocketed.

“We are facing two problems: the fuel is expensive, and yet, we still cannot find it easily at filling stations,” said one resident. “This has led to higher transport fares, and it’s becoming difficult to move around the city.”

Commuters explained that many commercial drivers have either reduced their services or increased their fares due to the scarcity. They added that the few buses and taxis still operating in the FCT are charging significantly more to cover the increased cost of fuel, leaving many residents with no choice but to limit their movement or find alternative means of transport.

Business owners are also feeling the impact, as transportation costs have affected logistics and the flow of goods. Many have reported delays in deliveries and higher operational costs, which in turn affects their profit margins. The ripple effect is being felt across various sectors, with both small and large businesses struggling to keep up with the increased expenses.

The residents urged the government to take urgent steps to address the fuel scarcity, calling for improved fuel supply to filling stations and better regulation of fuel prices. They emphasized the need for immediate intervention, as the current situation is unsustainable for both individuals and businesses.

Public transport operators have also called on the government to intervene, noting that the increased cost of fuel has made it difficult for them to continue operating at previous fare rates. Many have had to either reduce their fleet or pass the extra cost onto commuters, who are already grappling with economic challenges.

As the situation persists, FCT residents are left with fewer options, anxiously waiting for a resolution that would ease both the fuel supply issues and the soaring cost of transportation.