Traders and commuters in Kano metropolis have voiced concerns over the recent surge in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel, which has exacerbated economic difficulties.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Retail Management approved a price hike from N617 per litre to N897, effective September 3, 2024. This decision comes amidst ongoing fuel scarcity and economic challenges.
Fuel stations across Kano swiftly adjusted their price boards, with many outlets now dispensing PMS at prices ranging from N970 to N1,150 per litre. The significant price increase has triggered widespread criticism from various sectors of society, with concerns that the hike will deepen the economic struggles faced by Nigerians.
Malam Abubakar Saleh, a teacher in Kano, expressed his worry, saying, “The increase in fuel price means the cost of everything else will go up again. Since the removal of the fuel subsidy, life has become more difficult, and now the situation is even worse with this sudden hike.”
Similarly, civil servant Malam Shehu Aminu pointed out the negative impact on workers’ purchasing power and transportation costs. “This increase will make it harder for workers to afford transportation, and prices for everything will rise. The Federal Government must consider measures like increasing the minimum wage to ease the burden on citizens.”
Local business owners, like Mrs. Nana Muhammad, a hairdresser, expressed concerns over the likely inflationary effect on food prices, which had recently begun to stabilize due to the harvest season. “Traders will take advantage of the fuel hike and raise the prices of goods, further straining household budgets,” she said.
Lawan Hussaini, a trader, urged the government to prioritize the welfare of citizens when creating policies, criticizing the recent move as inadequate in addressing the immediate needs of the populace. He emphasized the growing financial burden on families, particularly those dependent on a single income.
In response to the fuel price hike, commercial motorcyclists have already raised their fares across Kano, further compounding the daily transportation costs for residents.
