Commercial Drivers in Cross River State have concluded plans to increase transport fares in Calabar, the state capital from 50 naira to 100 naira.
According to them, the increment results from the hike in the prices of car spare parts, the cost of maintenance, and other factors.
A statement released on Thursday and signed by James Odu, Public Relations Officer and Victor Okon, Director Of Operations, Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, said that the increment was due to the constant hike in fuel.
While lamenting the hike in spare parts and fuel prices since 2015, the union said the increment was inevitable as they could no longer bear the burden.
“We, the Commercial Drivers of Calabar Metropolis, have decided to increase transportation fare from 50 to 100 naira short distance due to high cost of spare parts, fuel and other commodities in the market.
“The increment will take effect from Monday, November 22, 2021”, the statement read in part.
“The price of these commodities skyrocketed between 2015 and 2021 as engine oil that usually goes for 2,500naira was now 8,500 and so many other parts.
“Belgium tyre that sells for 3,000 is now 7,000 naira, fuel which was 87 naira is now 170 per litre in major parts of the Metropolis, Audi engine which sold for 60,000 is now 210,000 naira Timing belt that sells for NGN2,000 is now NGN15,000; and so on,” the statement read.
