Tricycle operators protest as petrol price surge to N1,200 in Kano

Hundreds of tricycle operators in Kano State took to the streets yesterday to protest the sharp increase in petrol prices.

Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has surged to as high as N1,200 per litre at some filling stations, despite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) setting the price at N904 per litre in the state.

The protest, which began around Dangi Bridge, disrupted traffic flow for hours. Tricycle operators abandoned their routes to join long queues at petrol stations, causing significant delays for commuters and motorists.

Abdulazeez Ibrahim, a tricycle operator, reflected on past price increases, saying, “I remember buying petrol for N95. During President Shehu Musa Yar’adua’s era, there was an adjustment to N65, which felt monumental at the time. Prices never seem to come down in Nigeria. Now, we are faced with this new surge, and it’s troubling to think about our future.”

Passenger Ramatu Aminu expressed frustration over the price hike, noting, “I used to pay between N150 and N200 for a ride from Gyadi-Gyadi to Hotoro Junction, but today it cost me N300. Many passengers were stranded because tricycles were not operating due to the high cost of petrol.”

Motorist Aliyu Katsina from Dutse reported a significant price discrepancy, stating, “I bought fuel for N1,150 this morning, but by the afternoon, the price had risen to N1,350. It’s a frustrating increase.”