Drivers protest fuel increase in Benin, vow to raise fares

By Ozioruva Aliu

DRIVERS operating along Upper Sakponba Road part of Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Monday blocked sections of the busy road in protest against the recent increase in petroleum product prices.

The protesting drivers also immediately increased their fares, warning that passengers who boarded buses at the old rates would be forced to pay additional charges or be discharged midway.

The protest caused disruption, leaving many commuters stranded along the area. Several passengers trekked long distances to navigate through two roadblocks mounted by the drivers at Aifuwa Street and Pioneer Junction.

One of the protesting drivers, John, explained that the demonstration was necessary for their survival, noting that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which previously sold for slightly above N800, had risen sharply to about N1,350 per litre.

According to him, “We were buying fuel for N870 before the increment and we carry passengers for N500, but now we buy fuel for 1350 and still carry passengers for the same amount, how do you expect us to survive?
“You buy fuel for N25,000 for a day, you balance the owner of the bus, how do you make money that you will take home to take care of your family?” he queried.

A passenger, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she was travelling from Ring Road when she suddenly discovered that the road had been blocked, forcing drivers to discharge passengers.

A trip from Idogbo, Upper Sakponba to Ring Road, which previously cost between N500 and N700, now ranges from N800 to N1,000. Similarly, fares from Ikpoba Hill to Ring Road, which used to cost between N500 and N700, have increased to between N700 and N1,000.

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