A double dose of trouble is plaguing Osun state: fuel scarcity and skyrocketing transportation costs. These issues are making daily life a struggle for many residents.
Empty Streets and Pedestrians on the Move
Due to the scarcity of fuel, and the exorbitant prices when it is available (between N800 and N1,000 per litre), the streets of Osogbo, the state capital, wear a deserted look, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). With few residents able to afford to drive, the normally bustling streets are eerily quiet. Pedestrians are a more common sight, navigating long distances on foot to get to work, school, or the market. This shift to walking has not only increased commute times but also presents challenges, especially for those carrying heavy loads or young children.
Commuters Face Fare Hike Blues
Even those lucky enough to find fuel are facing a steep rise in transportation costs. Commuter buses, known locally as “Korope,” have doubled their fares on major routes, now charging between N200 and N400 per trip. This increase has significantly worsened the living conditions of many residents. Imagine a resident who relies on Korope to get to work every day. With the fare doubling, their transportation costs have also doubled, leaving them with less money for food, rent, and other necessities. This can have a cascading effect on their overall well-being.
Calls to Address the Crisis
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun Chapter, has called on the government to take action to address the worsening fuel scarcity. They argue that the situation is crippling business activities and creating serious challenges for workers who are struggling to reach their workplaces. The NUJ urges the Osun Task Force on Petroleum Products to investigate allegations of hoarding by petrol stations.
Government Cracks Down on Hoarding
The Osun government’s Taskforce on Petroleum Price Monitoring has responded with a warning to petrol stations against hoarding fuel to create an artificial scarcity. Their surveillance suggests that some stations are indeed engaging in this practice. The Taskforce Chairman, Mr. Kazeem Akinleye, has urged marketers to be more public-spirited in their pricing, considering the current economic hardship faced by residents.
Residents Feeling the Squeeze
The impact of the situation is being felt acutely by residents like civil servant Ayo Adebare. The sudden spike in transportation costs has disrupted his daily routine, making it difficult for his children to attend school. He pleads with the authorities to take action before things get even worse. “I used to spend N100 on bus fare to get to work,” Adebare lamented. “Now, it’s N200 each way. That’s N400 a day, just on transportation. How can I manage with the rest of my salary?”
A Plea for Relief
Trader Adenike Adigun is urging all levels of government to step in and take action. She proposes two possible solutions: either increase salaries to help people cope with the economic hardship, or implement measures to alleviate the burden on residents. “The government needs to do something,” Adigun said. “Either increase salaries so we can afford these hikes, or find a way to bring down the price of fuel and transportation.”
Osun residents are in desperate need of a solution. Only with a coordinated effort to address fuel scarcity and regulate transportation costs can the state return to a sense of normalcy. Residents, businesses, and the state’s economy are all suffering under the weight of these twin crises. Urgent action is needed to restore stability and prevent the situation from further deteriorating.
