Rise in fuel prices received with mixed reactions

Chuka, Thursday, May 18, 2023

KNA by Ruth Mumbe (Attachee)

The new fuel prices have been received with mixed reactions by the Chuka business community with some concerned with the excessive burden on the already pressed consumer while some matatu operators threaten to shift the cost to the travelers.

Benard Maweru, a Meru-Mombasa route driver, said that the changes happened when he was in Mombasa and it was difficult for him to explain the sudden decrease in total daily earnings to his employer.

“On Sunday I was in Mombasa, I was called to make a trip to Meru and by the time we began the journey it was around 12:20 am on Monday, when I went to refill the tank I found the prices were totally different. My employer could not believe that the sudden decline in earnings was real despite the prior information,” said Maweru.

“Normally we usually spend Sh 9,300 but that day I spent Sh 10,000 on fuel,” he explained.

Lawrence Kirimi, another matatu driver, who usually operates on the Meru-Nairobi route with the Unique shuttle, explained that the prices are unfavorable and it is unfortunate the added cost may finally end up hitting the already overburdened passenger.

“Normally before we used to have a full tank which is 47 litres with Sh 7,700 but as of now we spend around Sh 8,000 for a full tank which is used for a single trip that is to and from Nairobi,” he said.

“And with the increased cost of living there are not many people travelling. We cannot increase the fares as it will cut down on the already dwindling clientele. It is a difficult decision to make,” he lamented.

Similar sentiments were echoed by a different driver, John Mwenda who supported Kirimi saying that it’s impossible to increase the fare since the economy is not favorable to all.

But Rodgers Nyaga, a driver from Meru Nissan Sacco, that plies the Meru-Chuka-Nairobi route is of a different opinion.

He said “The just announced new fuel prices mean more pain in our pockets, for instance, I usually spend an average of Sh 7,000 for one trip from Chuka to Nairobi, but now it’ll cost me Sh 700) more, making it Sh 7,700 per trip.

He went on to add, “This means that in order for us to afford fuel going by the new prices, we have to increase fare for our customers. They will equally be uncomfortable with the increase with some avoiding to travel all together. We will make losses at the end of the day.” 

Fridah Kawira, a cereal trader at the open-air market said that the cost of transporting her products had increased tremendously.

“Yesterday I had my pick-up driver pick my cereals from Embu but the price of petrol had increased by Sh 500. Instead of the previous Sh 1,500 it cost us Sh 2,000,” said Ms. Kawira. 

Courtesy; K.N.A