PH commuters groan over worsening fuel strike, as Rivers Govt negotiates with NUPENG
Following the continued strike by members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, in Rivers State, commuters in Port Harcourt and adjoining urban areas this morning trekked long distances to make up for differences in increased transport fares.
Our correspondents observed that commercial drivers jerked up their fares following the scarcity of petroleum products.
The fare from UTC bus stop to Waterlines doubled to N200, while commuters from Lagos bus stop to UTC were forced to pay N100, instead of the usual N50. Other areas in the Rivers State capital also recorded increase in fares.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government says it is negotiating with striking members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, over their industrial action which crippled business activities in the State.
The Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr Peter Medee confirmed the development to our correspondent in a telephone interview.
Doctor Medee said the state government had facilitated the release of the tankers seized by the Task Force on Illegal Motor Parks, Street Trading and Markets.
Medee also said the government had liaised with the Nigerian Army to release some of the oil tankers seized by the security agency.
However, the Commissioner said some of the oil tankers were transporting allegedly stolen crude oil, and not refined petroleum products.