Some commercial drivers operating along Upper Sakponba Road in Benin, Edo State, on Monday blocked sections of the busy road in protest against the recent increase in petrol prices.
The protesting drivers also urged their colleagues to immediately increase transport fares, warning that passengers who boarded buses at old rates would be forced to pay additional charges or be dropped midway.
The protest caused significant disruption, leaving many commuters stranded along Upper Sakponba Road.
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, who identified himself simply as John, said that the demonstration was necessary for their survival, noting that the price of Premium Motor Spirit had risen sharply from about ₦870 to ₦1,350 per litre.
He said, “We were buying fuel for N870 before the increment, and we carry passengers for N500, but now fuel is N1,350 and we still carry passengers for the same amount. How do you expect us to survive?
“You buy fuel worth N25,000 for a day and settle the owner of the bus; how do you make money to take care of your family?”
A passenger, who pleaded anonymity, said she was travelling from Ring Road when she discovered that the road had been blocked, forcing drivers to discharge passengers.
“I was coming from Ring Road this morning. On getting to Oka Market, I discovered that the road was blocked by drivers who are agitating for an increase in transport fares due to the current rise in fuel prices.
“When they started forcing people to come down, I just parked my loads and got down. I want to cross the roadblock before I board another bus to Idogbo,” she said.
The rising cost of petroleum products has already triggered higher transport fares across parts of Benin City.
A trip from Idogbo, Upper Sakponba to Ring Road, which previously cost between ₦500 and ₦700, now ranges from ₦800 to ₦1,000.
Similarly, fares from Ikpoba Hill to Ring Road, which used to cost between ₦500 and ₦700, have increased to between ₦800 and ₦1,000.
The PUNCH