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Nigerians were met with disappointment on Tuesday morning as they woke up to the distressing news of an increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N617 per litre at certain filling stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja. The hike in fuel prices has sparked widespread reactions and calls for measures to alleviate the burden on the citizens.
While it was agreed that the subsidy on fuel must be removed, concerns have been raised about the actions taken by different levels of government to mitigate the impact on the masses. The new price of N617 per litre has been widely criticized, with many expressing their disappointment. People are questioning the absence of significant investments in affordable mass transit systems and the absence of initiatives such as discounted monthly tickets for commuters. The sentiment is clear: "Let the poor breathe."
According to reports, the price adjustment has not been consistent across different regions. In Ibadan and its environs, petrol prices have risen from the range of N500 to N510 to now reach N616. Meanwhile, in Lagos, the prices vary between filling stations, with surveys indicating rates ranging from N565 to N617 per litre.
Residents in Ibadan anticipate that the increased fuel prices will exacerbate the hardships already faced by the people, leading to higher transportation costs and food prices. They view the sudden and unannounced increment as a deliberate attempt to diminish the purchasing power of Nigerians and contribute to widespread hunger.
Furthermore, citizens are disappointed that the government did not provide adequate palliative measures before removing the fuel subsidy. They believe that the well-being and standard of living of Nigerians are being threatened, and they call on President Bola Tinubu to raise the minimum wage, implement meaningful palliatives, and expedite efforts to alleviate the hardships faced by the population.
In response to the price hike, Nigerians have taken to social media platforms, particularly Twitter, to express their grievances and frustrations. The sentiments expressed reflect the growing discontentment among the people. They emphasize the need for fuel prices to decrease before other wishes, such as a better Nigeria, rerun elections, or reduced subscription fees for DSTV, can be considered.
The outcry on social media highlights the impact of the rising fuel prices on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Some users lament the significant financial implications, such as the exorbitant cost of filling up a car's fuel tank, which now requires nearly 50,000 Naira. Others criticize the government for proposing an 8,000 Naira monthly support for the "poor" while simultaneously increasing the fuel price by over 100 Naira per litre. The prevailing sentiment is that the consequences of such policies are being felt by the citizens, while politicians continue to enjoy high salaries.
As the discussions continue online, with contrasting views on the fuel price hike, it remains evident that the Nigerian population is seeking relief from the increasing economic burdens. The hope is for swift action from the government to address these concerns and implement measures to ease the strain on the people.
