Loveth Okoli
Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has decried the hardship and escalation of transport cost caused by unauthorised increase in fuel pump price to N212 in South-East and other parts of the country.
Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, said in Enugu that transport cost to all routes had increased by 100 per cent these few days in the South-East.
Federal Government on Friday had ordered petroleum marketers nationwide to revert to between N162 and N164, which is the official price.
However, most of petroleum fuel stations are yet to revert and they sell the product between N200 and N205 per litre within Enugu metropolis.
Most local fuel stations in Enugu also hoard the products and sell only at the night hours.
Ezekwueme noted that the jump in transport cost had led to increase in all commodities in the market, adding that “the situation if not checked will affect the cost of other social services very soon’’.
According to him, the Federal Government should probe source of the unauthorised increment that had changed the socio-economic architecture of the country overnight.
“Government should henceforth put stringent measures to check arbitrary fuel product increase and price as well as put adequate sanctions to deter such economic sabotage.
“The government should also take quick steps in restoring normalcy before few unpatriotic elements hijack the economy of the country and put everybody in serious economic difficulties.
“Practical steps are needed as the local or micro economy of the country is highly influenced by petroleum products prices,’’ he said.
The CLO boss, however, lauded marketers that still sell at or very close to the official pump price.
“The government, society and community must have a way of recognising and saying `thank you’ to these patriotic Nigerians that always do the right thing and stand for the truth and common good of all,’’ he added.
