Delta Govt Urges CNG Tricycle Operators to Reduce Transport Fares.

The Delta State Government has appealed to commercial tricycle operators using Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, to reduce transport fares in line with the significant savings they now enjoy from the cheaper fuel.

The appeal was made by the State Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, during an interactive session with operators at a CNG refill station in Warri. Rather than issuing directives, the commissioner opted for dialogue, urging the riders to voluntarily pass on the benefits of lower operating costs to commuters.

Agofure noted that while petrol currently sells for about ₦1,400 per litre, CNG users purchase gas for approximately ₦450, significantly reducing their daily fuel expenses.

During the discussion, the tricycle operators admitted that they previously spent between ₦16,000 and ₦18,000 daily on petrol but now spend only about ₦6,000 to ₦7,000 to operate throughout the day.

The commissioner pointed out that, apart from lower fuel costs, CNG vehicles also require less maintenance, with operators confirming that their engines remain cleaner and require fewer visits to mechanics.

Although the riders acknowledged the financial benefits, they explained that reducing fares immediately could affect colleagues who still rely on petrol powered tricycles. They added that they sometimes lower fares for passengers facing financial difficulties.

At the end of the engagement, Agofure identified himself as the Commissioner for Transport and revealed that he played a role in establishing the CNG refill stations in Warri and Asaba, a disclosure that surprised many of the operators.

He explained that the state government preferred engagement over enforcement, stressing that cooperation from transport operators was essential to making transportation more affordable for residents.

The commissioner also disclosed that the Delta State Government plans to introduce 50 CNG powered buses for intercity and intracity transportation to further reduce transport costs across the state.

Addressing concerns over the state’s digitised traffic enforcement system, which some motorists have criticised as excessive, Agofure maintained that the initiative was aimed at improving compliance with traffic regulations while ensuring enforcement remained fair and humane.