MEMBERS of the public have decried the hike in transport fares that has lingered for a while across the country.

It has worsened and has increased hardship in people’s livelihood.

Some of the respondents who spoke to our correspondent complained that petrol scarcity had resulted in increase in transportation fares across the country.

This had invariably imposed more frustration on the common man.

Clement Nwachukwu said that he had found it difficult to shuttle from Agulu to Awka, the capital city of Anambra State for his daily business transactions.

Nwachukwu said that in the past, used to spend N300 to and fro Awka but presently he spends N600 which he said was imposing additional costs on him.

According to him, the hike in transportation has also reduced patronage to his business as his customers no longer come to market regularly.

Ifeanyi Obiekwe, a civil servant, who on a daily basis shuttles from Amawbia to Government House, Awka complained that he spends N400 on transportation since late December until now, unlike previously, when he used to spend N200.

Obiekwe said the current condition of living had deteriorated in such a manner that the masses need God’s intervention to alleviate their suffering.

He, however, called on the federal government to urgently devise proactive means to put to an end to the current petrol scarcity in the country.

Maria Chukwu noted that the prices of food items and other commodities had increased beyond the reach of the common man in the society.

She, however, called on the governments at various levels to join hands and fight the petrol scarcity so that the hardship it has caused in the society will come to an end.

– Jan. 23 2018 @ 17:35 GMT