Commercial tricycle operators, known as ‘Keke riders,’ alongside aggrieved women and youths, staged a peaceful protest in Warri and Effurun, Delta State, on Wednesday, over the scarcity of premium motor spirit amidst an official price hike.

According to the PUNCH, hundreds of protesters, including market women and Keke riders, marched through major roads, earlier today urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and reverse the recent fuel price increase.

The price of petrol has soared to nearly N1,100 per litre, exacerbating the economic struggles of many Nigerians.

Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Tinubu, intervene now to alleviate commuters’ suffering,” “Tinubu, activate Warri and Kaduna refineries without further delay,” and “We are suffering in silence, the fuel price hike is a killer.”

The demonstrators expressed deep frustration, calling on the President to immediately address the situation and provide relief.

It was reported that the protesters were marching from the popular Deco Road towards Enerhen, lamenting the severe economic hardship caused by soaring fuel prices and the scarcity of commodities.

Further observations revealed that most filling stations along the Warri-Sapele road were closed on Wednesday morning, while the few that remained open were selling petrol at prices above N1,000 per litre.

This situation has had a severe impact on commuters within the metropolis and on interstate travelers, as transport fares have skyrocketed.

The normally bustling Airport Junction in Effurun, a key hub for interstate transportation,was noticeably quieter on Wednesday, with travelers struggling to buy tickets and transporters voicing their concerns over the difficulties in securing fuel.

The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until substantial relief is provided.