High fuel prices empty Taraba roads as tricycles dominate traffic

Rising fuel prices in Taraba have drastically reduced vehicular activity on roads spread across the state, leaving tricycle operators as the primary mode of transportation within the metropolis.

Many motorists, at the time of this report, have parked their vehicles due to the prohibitive cost of petrol, making it nearly impossible for them to sustain daily operations.

Residents have also noted a significant drop in traffic, with only a handful of vehicles braving the high costs.

Speaking with Newspot, some persons who have decided to park their vehicles as a result of the rising fuel prices, said their actions became necessary to help them survive the ongoing economic stress across the country at large.

Ibrahim Ahmed, who told our reporter, how he abandoned his car and resorted to boarding tricycles, also known as Keke-Napep, said his monthly take home is no longer enough to cater for his family and maintain his car.

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He said, “The truth, is that even with the recent salary increase, it will still be difficult for most of us to feed our families and take proper care of our vehicles.

As I am talking with you now, I have since abandoned my car because I cannot be struggling to put food on the table for my family, at the same time struggling to fuel my car.”

Others who supported the position of Ahmed argued that the new minimum wage would end up worsening the economy.

“Even when governments have not started implementing the new minimum wage, prices of food items and other services, have gone up in the markets. So tell me, what will a minimum wage of N70,000 do for a family of five or seven? Said, Bashir Na, Allah.

Meanwhile, tricycle operators, who require less fuel to function, have stepped in to fill the transportation gap, as commuters now heavily rely on tricycles for their daily travels.

The situation highlights the widespread impact of the fuel crisis on transportation and economic activities in Taraba and other states.

Many who spoke with our reporter want the authorities to find solutions to ease the burden on road users, stating that their dreams of travelling to their villages for the upcoming yuletide may become a mirage.