Residents of Cross River State are groaning under the weight of rising transportation costs following a fresh hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), now selling for as high as N1,350 per litre in many filling stations across the state.
The increase has triggered a corresponding surge in transport fares, leaving commuters stranded and forcing many to adopt alternative coping strategies, including trekking long distances under the scorching sun.
A survey conducted by Tribune Online in Calabar, the state capital, revealed that transport fares have risen sharply within days of the fuel price adjustment. For instance, the fare from Ekpo Abasi to Marian has jumped from N300 to N500, while commuters from Ekpo Abasi to Watt Market now pay N300 instead of the previous N200.
Many residents say the situation has become unbearable, calling on the state government to intervene by providing free or subsidized bus services to cushion the effects of the hardship.
A resident, Archibong Effiom, lamented that the continuous rise in fuel prices has made daily commuting a struggle for low-income earners. He noted that transport operators have little choice but to increase fares, but the burden ultimately falls on ordinary citizens.
“I spend almost double what I used to spend on transportation every day. It’s affecting my feeding and other basic needs. The government should step in, especially at a time like this,” he said.
Similarly, Maria Okpa appealed to the government to revive its free bus service initiative, particularly as the Easter celebration approaches.
“We saw what the government did during Christmas when buses were provided for residents. That gesture really helped people move around easily. With the current situation, they should bring it back for Easter to reduce the suffering,” she said.
Another commuter, Joseph Eyo, said many residents have resorted to trekking part of their routes in order to cut costs.
“Some of us now drop halfway and trek the rest of the journey just to save money. The sun is harsh, but we don’t have a choice. Transport fares are too high,” he explained.
Checks at various motor parks indicate that commercial drivers are also struggling with the high cost of fuel, which they say leaves them with slim profit margins if fares are not adjusted.
Residents argue that beyond short-term interventions, there is a need for more sustainable solutions to address the recurring impact of fuel price hikes on transportation and the overall cost of living.
As pressure mounts, many are hopeful that the Cross River State Government will once again roll out relief measures, similar to the free bus services introduced during the Christmas season, to ease movement and provide some respite during the Easter festivities.
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