The recent surge in petrol prices is proving detrimental to numerous businesses, threatening their very survival in the marketplace.
On July 12th, 2023, Iniyekinimi Atubo, a hairstylist hailing from Azuzuama Town in Southern Ijaw LGA, but residing in Yenagoa at Ebis Mechanic Road Amarata, voiced her concerns regarding the rising fuel costs and the consequent impact on her trade.
During an interview with The Diaspolitan Magazine, Iniyekinimi detailed her struggles: “The financial burden caused by increasing fuel prices has made it more difficult for some customers to afford our services. Consequently, our rates have had to rise, which in turn has led to a decline in patronage. We previously charged five hundred Naira for hair retouching, but now, due to elevated fuel costs, we have to charge about one thousand five hundred Naira.”
“Many prospective clients choose to wait for Nepa’s power supply to resume before seeking our services,” she continued. “This impacts us hairstylists significantly – we still have to cover shop rents, taxes, and personal expenses from our earnings. During periods of power outage, customer influx diminishes noticeably.”
Iniyekinimi’s story often repeats itself – some days, she opens her shop only to find there’s no business, resulting in no income. This has severely affected her livelihood. “I urge the state government to reconsider the issue of fuel subsidy to mitigate the cost of fuel which has greatly hampered the state.”
Chenedu Gerard, the Chairman of Inec Road Keke Riders, shares a similar plight: “Due to the rise in fuel costs and subsequent transportation fares, many passengers have resorted to walking with their market purchases to their homes, which has led to a considerable drop in our earnings.”
He added, “Fuel, formerly priced at two hundred and fifty naira, now costs around five hundred naira and above. This price hike has caused a decrease in our passenger rate, leading to substantial financial losses.”
Similarly, Aboli Blessing, a provision seller, voiced her struggles: “Due to the increase in fuel prices, the amount I purchase daily has been curtailed drastically. This affects my business significantly, especially since I need to keep my drinks cold to attract customers, a task made difficult by irregular power supply.”
Business owners in Bayelsa are united in their plea for the government to address the issue of the petrol price hike and the subsequent economic strain it has placed on them.
