Zamfara State residents are expressing deep concern over the exorbitant cost of transportation, with many finding it increasingly difficult to afford. Reports indicate that some individuals are resorting to walking due to the prohibitive fares.
A resident from Gengeri MaiGemu in the Tudunwada area of Gusau revealed that the fare for commercial motorcycle rides has skyrocketed from N100 to N300. Similarly, the cost of travelling from Gusau to Sokoto has surged from N4,000 to N6,500.
Both motorcycle and vehicle operators attribute the fare hikes to the steep price of fuel, which they claim to be purchasing at rates between N950 to N1000 per litre. Furthermore, a visit to various filling stations in Gusau reveals that only a few are operational, while the majority remain closed.
A filling station manager disclosed that numerous petroleum tankers have been stranded at the NNPC Depot in Gusau for days, awaiting fuel supplies that are not forthcoming.
The ripple effect of the fuel price increases extends to the market, where the prices of essential commodities, particularly foodstuffs, have also risen sharply.