Posted by On Wednesday, tricycle operators known as “Keke” surrounded the Deco junction in Delta’s Warri South Local Government Area to protest the increase in petrol pump prices.
Recall that NNPC Retail Management authorized an increase in the pump price of petrol on Tuesday, from N617 to N897 per litre, effective September 3.
The demonstrators marched from Enerhen intersection to Deco junction to express their dissatisfaction with the hike and its perceived scarcity.
They gathered at the Enerhen junction as early as 6:00 a.m. to launch the demonstration, then marched to block the Deco junction, demanding on the government to intervene immediately.
According to NAN, the Deco junction connected Enerhen Junction, Hausa Quarters, and Okumagba Avenue.
Heavily armed police officers and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were also on hand to prevent a breakdown in law and order.
According to NAN, business activities in the vicinity were disrupted for several hours, resulting in major vehicular gridlock and man-hour loss.
Mr Omatseye Esijolomi, a demonstrator, denounced the enormous increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
“We buy petrol in the illegal market for between N1,400 and N1,500. This has resulted in increased transportation costs, which are impacting our work.
“We also pay a community levy and settle with police and vehicle inspection officers (VIO) on a daily basis.
“We won’t have a problem with that if the money goes to the government.
“We are hurting; the government should lower the price of petrol and make it available to Nigerians.
“The price is killing, we can no longer close our mouth, that is why we are crying out to the government,” he went on.
Mr. Monday Asuquo stated that the peaceful protest benefited the populace.
According to him, transportation costs have skyrocketed, putting commuters at a disadvantage.
“We are carrying out the protest on behalf of the public. People are stressed, and we urge the government to take action.
“The government should consider the people and come to their rescue. We require immediate help. Schools resume next week, and things are picking up,” he said.
Mr. Efe Odeya stated that commercial tricycle riders pay government charges and renew their papers on a regular basis.
“We have nothing against the government.” Simply put, they should lower the price of petrol.
“We implore the authorities to come to our rescue. We have the right to demonstrate, but they should take action to ensure that we can work and support our families,” Odeya added.
In the Warri and Effurun districts, most petroleum marketers sell petrol for between N1,000 and N1,200 per litre, while roadside dealers, sometimes known as black marketers, charge between N1,400 and N1,500.
As a result of the development, transportation costs throughout the city and across state lines have skyrocketed.
Few automobiles were observed in the several motor parks around the famed Airport Junction in Uvwie Local Government, likely due to the difficulty in obtaining the commodity.
When reached, SP Bright Edafe, the Police Command spokesman in Delta, stated that he had not been briefed on the development.