Motorists in Benin demonstrate against rising fuel costs, threaten to hike transportation prices

On Monday, drivers operating along Upper Sakponba Road in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, took to the streets to protest the recent surge in petroleum product prices, blocking sections of the road in the process.

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Their demonstration was marked by an immediate hike in fares, with drivers warning that passengers who refused to pay the new rates would be forced to disembark midway or pay additional charges.

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The protest led to significant disruption, leaving numerous commuters stranded and forcing many to trek long distances to navigate through the roadblocks set up by drivers at Aifuwa Street and Pioneer Junction.

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One of the protesting drivers, John, argued that the demonstration was necessary for the drivers' survival, citing the sharp increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from just above N800 to around N1,350 per litre.

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John explained that the previous fuel price was around N870, and with fares at N500, the new fuel price of N1,350 made it unsustainable for drivers to operate without increasing fares, asking how they could possibly make a living under such conditions.

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A passenger, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted being forced to disembark after drivers blocked the road, while travelling from Ring Road, highlighting the sudden and significant impact of the protest on commuters.

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The fare for a trip from Idogbo, Upper Sakponba to Ring Road, previously ranging from N500 to N700, has now increased to between N800 and N1,000, reflecting the steep hike in fuel prices.

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Similarly, the cost of travel from Ikpoba Hill to Ring Road, which previously ranged from N500 to N700, has also risen to between N700 and N1,000, underscoring the widespread impact of the fuel price increase on transportation costs.