The Delta State Government has appealed to commercial tricycle operators using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce transport fares, saying the significant drop in fuel costs should translate into relief for commuters.
The Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, made the appeal during an unscheduled visit to the Shaffa CNG filling station in Warri, where he held a candid discussion with riders refuelling their tricycles.
Rather than issuing directives, Agofure engaged the operators in a conversation about the economic benefits they now enjoy from switching to CNG.
“You are buying gas cheap, but you are not reducing your fare for passengers,” the commissioner told the riders.
The operators admitted that the switch had drastically cut their operating expenses but argued that reducing fares immediately could create challenges for colleagues still running on petrol.
They disclosed that while they previously spent between N16,000 and N18,000 daily on fuel, their current daily CNG expenses average N6,000 to N7,000.
Highlighting the savings, Agofure said, “People are buying fuel at N1,400, but you are buying gas at N450. See the fat difference. And with gas, you will not be visiting the mechanic every time.”
The riders also acknowledged that CNG has reduced maintenance costs, with one operator noting, “Our engine oil stays cleaner.”
Appealing for cooperation, the commissioner urged the transporters to pass some of the savings to passengers.
“Please consider reducing your fares. Let us try to change,” he pleaded.
The riders responded that they occasionally offer fare discounts to passengers who cannot afford the full amount but maintained that a general fare reduction requires wider industry agreement.
At the end of the discussion, Agofure revealed his identity, surprising the operators, who had initially mistaken him for a station supervisor.
He also informed them that the state had facilitated the establishment of CNG stations in both Warri and Asaba as part of efforts to expand cleaner and cheaper transportation.
The appeal comes as the Delta State Government prepares to deploy 50 CNG-powered buses for inter- and intra-city transport to further reduce commuting costs across the state.
Agofure also defended the government’s digitised traffic enforcement system, saying it was designed to improve compliance with traffic regulations while ensuring enforcement remains fair and humanDelta urges CNG keke riders to slash fares
The Delta State Government has appealed to commercial tricycle operators using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce transport fares, saying the significant drop in fuel costs should translate into relief for commuters.
The Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, made the appeal during an unscheduled visit to the Shaffa CNG filling station in Warri, where he held a candid discussion with riders refuelling their tricycles.
Rather than issuing directives, Agofure engaged the operators in a conversation about the economic benefits they now enjoy from switching to CNG.
“You are buying gas cheap, but you are not reducing your fare for passengers,” the commissioner told the riders.
The operators admitted that the switch had drastically cut their operating expenses but argued that reducing fares immediately could create challenges for colleagues still running on petrol.
They disclosed that while they previously spent between N16,000 and N18,000 daily on fuel, their current daily CNG expenses average N6,000 to N7,000.
Highlighting the savings, Agofure said, “People are buying fuel at N1,400, but you are buying gas at N450. See the fat difference. And with gas, you will not be visiting the mechanic every time.”
The riders also acknowledged that CNG has reduced maintenance costs, with one operator noting, “Our engine oil stays cleaner.”
Appealing for cooperation, the commissioner urged the transporters to pass some of the savings to passengers.
“Please consider reducing your fares. Let us try to change,” he pleaded.
The riders responded that they occasionally offer fare discounts to passengers who cannot afford the full amount but maintained that a general fare reduction requires wider industry agreement.
At the end of the discussion, Agofure revealed his identity, surprising the operators, who had initially mistaken him for a station supervisor.
He also informed them that the state had facilitated the establishment of CNG stations in both Warri and Asaba as part of efforts to expand cleaner and cheaper transportation.
The appeal comes as the Delta State Government prepares to deploy 50 CNG-powered buses for inter- and intra-city transport to further reduce commuting costs across the state.
Agofure also defended the government’s digitised traffic enforcement system, saying it was designed to improve compliance with traffic regulations while ensuring enforcement remains fair and human
