Commercial Drivers in Cross River State have concluded plans to increase transport fair from NGN50 to NGN100 for shortest distance in Calabar, the state capital.

According to a statement signed by Comr. James Odu, Public Relations Officer and Comr. Victor Okon, Director Of Operations, Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, that the increment is due to the incessant hike in fuel and spare parts price in the market.

The Drivers lamented that the prices of spare parts and fuel has quadrupled since 2015 and they can no longer bear the burden, so the increment.

“We the Commercial Drivers of Calabar Metropolis have decided to increase transportation fare from N50 to N100; 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 Drivers say the hike in the price of these commodities have been catapulted between 2015 and 2021 as engine oil that usually cost NGN2,500 is now NGN8,500.

Other are: Belgium tire that sells for NGN3,000 is now NGN7,000; Fuel that sells for NGN87 is now NGN170 per litre; Audi engine that sells for NGN60,000 is now 210,000; Timing belt that sells for NGN2,000 is now NGN15,000; and so many other things.