Why Fares Remain High Despite Decrease In Price Of Petrol – Transport Workers

Transport fares in major cities like Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja have remained high despite the recent reduction in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and other petroleum marketers.

Bus drivers and transport workers have cited soaring costs of vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and union fees as the major reasons fares cannot be reduced.

A recent investigation revealed that the reduction in petrol prices, with NNPC outlets now selling at N925 per litre in Lagos and N965 in Abuja, has done little to alleviate the financial burden of transport operators.

Drivers, who spoke to TheCable, explained that while petrol prices have dropped, other operational costs have skyrocketed, making fare reductions impossible.

John Chukwuma, a driver at the Jabi Motor Park in Abuja, lamented the situation. “Yes, petrol prices have come down, but we’re still struggling with the high cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance. Tyres that used to cost N11,000 now sell for N45,000. Belgium tyres, which were N3,000, are now over N27,000. These expenses make it impossible to reduce fares,” he said.

Similarly, a ticketing officer at the same park, Adebola, noted that operational costs, including staff salaries and levies, remain unchanged.

“Even though the cost of petrol has dropped, union fees and taxes are still high. We cannot reduce fares because the cost of running our operations hasn’t gone down,” he added.

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In Lagos, drivers at Ojota Park expressed similar frustrations. Monsuru Anisere, a driver, stated that while the reduction in petrol prices prevented a further hike in fares, it was insufficient to lower the current rates.

“We’re still loading at the same fare of N8,500. If petrol prices had not dropped, we might have increased it to N10,000. But spare parts and maintenance costs remain a big challenge,” he explained.

At Mowe bus stop in Ogun State, drivers also highlighted the negligible impact of the petrol price reduction.

Gafar, a driver, said, “The reduction is too small to make a difference. Tyres that were N4,500 now sell for N19,000. Even engine oil has gone from N5,000 to N16,000. With these expenses, how can fares reduce?”

Transport workers further disclosed that union fees and daily returns to vehicle owners have increased.

A driver in Lugbe, Abuja, who spoke anonymously, explained that daily delivery fees for buses have risen from N2,500 to N3,500 for older vehicles and up to N5,000 for newer ones.

“Union fees that were N50 are now N300 per trip. After deducting all expenses, we barely make enough to survive,” he said.

Passengers, on their part, expressed disappointment at the stagnant fares.

Comfort Onuoha, a commuter, said, “We were hoping for a reduction in transport costs during the festive season, but it seems the drivers are facing their own struggles too.”

Transport operators have called on the government to intervene by reducing the cost of spare parts, union levies, and other operational expenses.

They also urged the government to regulate the pump price of petrol further, arguing that a reduction to N500 per litre could ease the financial burden on both drivers and passengers.

For now, both drivers and commuters remain caught in the web of Nigeria’s economic challenges, as high costs of living and transportation continue to bite hard.