The surge in fuel prices in Taraba State has led to a significant decline in road traffic, with many residents abandoning their vehicles due to the unaffordable cost of petrol. As a result, tricycles have become the dominant mode of transportation in the area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At the time of reporting, most vehicle owners had parked their cars, unable to afford the rising fuel costs, which have made daily commuting increasingly unsustainable. This has caused a noticeable reduction in traffic across the state, with only a few motorists still on the roads.

Speaking with Daily Post, some residents explained that their decision to stop using their vehicles was driven by the economic pressures they face, which have made it difficult to manage both their household expenses and the cost of fuel.

Ibrahim Ahmed, one of those affected, shared that he had switched to using tricycles, also known as Keke-Napep, because his salary no longer suffices to cover both family needs and vehicle maintenance. “Even with the recent salary increase, it’s still hard for many of us to provide for our families and maintain our cars. I had to park mine because I can’t afford to fuel it while also ensuring my family has enough to eat,” he explained.

Other residents echoed similar sentiments, with some suggesting that the new minimum wage could worsen the economic strain. “Prices of food and services are already soaring. How will a N70,000 minimum wage support a family of five or seven?” said Bashir Na-Allah.

In response to the reduced vehicle movement, tricycle operators have stepped in to meet the transportation demand. Tricycles, which are more fuel-efficient, have become the go-to option for daily commuters in the city. However, many are concerned that the ongoing fuel crisis could disrupt plans for traveling, especially as the holiday season approaches.

Locals are calling on authorities to address the fuel price crisis, urging the government to find ways to alleviate the financial burden on road users, as they worry that the ongoing situation will make travel to their villages for the Yuletide season increasingly difficult.