In the face of hiked fuel in Nigeria: the cost of public transportation versus Private mobility

Within the last forty-eight hours, I stated how I made my first withdrawal on hive so as to ameliorate the huge financial implications of buying premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.

Good news is that the withdrawal was hitch-free, and I was able to buy 17 liters of petrol from the N9000 ($12) I got after trading 40 hive tokens. Prior to the subsidy removal, I could get the same 17 liters of petrol for N3,485 ($4.6). The gauge on the half tank of gasoline I had prior to the purchase only moved up with three bars, and, on some busy days, especially weekends, I could exhaust a bar of the gauge after a two- to three-hour drive. By implication, the three-bar rise was at an approximate value of N3000 ($4).

Yesterday, I took public transportation to my parents house, and by calculation, the money I spent was much cheaper (though a little inconveniencing as I needed to walk some distances) compared to going by my personal car. For the movement I made, it took me an approximate 40 minutes both to and from the house at a cost of N600 ($0.8), which is approximately the cost of one liter of petrol, which is N520 ($0.7) per liter. It is very certain that if I had used my car, though more convenient, I would have spent over a liter of gasoline.

Also, going to my work place from home using public transportation will cost me N100 to N150 ($0.13 to $0.2), and a similar amount when returning. The maximum amount I will be spending on transportation to and from work alone will be N300 ($0.4) per day. Invariably, if all things being equal, i need maximum of N1500 ($2) per week on transportation if I'll be engaging public transportation while a lot much more if I'll be enjoying the luxury of private vehicle.

During the course of taking public transportation, I got to enjoy being driven (less efforts were exhausted in driving even though my hobby is driving), pay more attention to the environment, make a few treks here or there, and have the company of other commuters.

Hence, with the persistent and poor remunerations, which are not in tandem with the fuel hike, having a bicycle will be a priority for me while I engage more in public transportation.

This is a new adaptation to the hardships faced in Nigeria, as we hope for some palliatives or incentives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on the economy.

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.

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