By Our Reporter
Residents of Cross River State are currently grappling with severe economic strain as transportation costs reach unprecedented levels following a fresh hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
In many filling stations across the state, the pump price of petrol has soared to as high as N1,350 per litre. This sharp adjustment has triggered a corresponding surge in transport fares, leaving many commuters stranded and forced to adopt desperate coping strategies, including trekking long distances under the scorching sun.
A survey conducted by Tribune Online in Calabar, the state capital, revealed the extent of the fare hikes within days of the fuel price adjustment. Commuters traveling from Ekpo Abasi to Marian now pay N500, up from the previous N300. Similarly, the fare from Ekpo Abasi to Watt Market has jumped from N200 to N300.
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The situation has become increasingly unbearable for low-income earners. Archibong Effiom, a resident, lamented that daily commuting has become a significant struggle.
“I spend almost double what I used to spend on transportation every day,” Effiom said. “It’s affecting my feeding and other basic needs. The government should step in, especially at a time like this.”
For many, the only way to balance their daily budget is to avoid public transport altogether for portions of their journey. Joseph Eyo, another commuter, explained that many residents now drop off halfway and trek the remainder of their route to save money.
“The sun is harsh, but we don’t have a choice. Transport fares are too high,” Eyo added.
Commercial drivers, while criticized for the hikes, argue they are also victims of the economic climate. Checks at various motor parks indicate that high fuel costs have left drivers with slim profit margins, necessitating the fare adjustments to stay afloat.
As the Easter celebrations approach, residents are appealing to the Cross River State Government to revive its free or subsidized bus service initiatives. Many pointed to the relief provided during the last Christmas season as a model for what is needed now.
Maria Okpa, a resident, urged the government to act quickly: “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.”
Beyond short-term relief, residents are calling for sustainable solutions to address the recurring impact of fuel price volatility on the overall cost of living. As pressure mounts, the public remains hopeful that the state government will roll out measures to provide respite during the upcoming festivities and ease the movement of citizens across the state.
