Commercial minibus (Korope) operators in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Wednesday, staged a peaceful protest over the soaring price of Premium Motor Spirit.
The drivers, who converged at the Ayetoro area of Osogbo, decried the harsh operating condition, saying the business was no longer profitable.
Following the protest, they announced a new fare regime of N300 per drop, effective Thursday.
Some of the drivers who spoke with journalists said the adjustment was necessary to stay afloat amid the economic hardship.
“From tomorrow, there is no more N200 transport. The least is N300 per drop. We have families and we also want to take care of our families,” one of the drivers said.
They justified the increase, noting that interstate transporters had already reviewed their fares upward.
“The interstate transport union has increased its price; why should minibus be different? We are not fighting anybody. We want the people to pity us too. The fuel price is on the high side,” another driver added.
According to them, the cost of fueling their vehicles has eroded their daily earnings.
“If we buy N35,000 petrol for our minibus, at the end of the day, we might not make a profit of N5,000 after working,” a driver lamented.
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