By Dawda M. Jallow
Commuters and drivers in Brikama are facing rising transport costs following recent increases in fuel prices, sparking frustration among residents.
Drivers at the Brikama Jalambang garage told reporters that the surge in petrol and diesel prices was putting pressure on their livelihoods while forcing passengers to pay more.
Alieu Manneh, a driver, said, “If fuel is not capped at a specific price, we will continue to raise daily transportation fares. We have families to feed, and this is how we earn our living.”
Petrol prices recently rose from D82.50 to D98 per litre, while diesel increased from D84.60 to D95. Drivers said maintaining fares for passengers has become difficult, with many commuters blaming them for the higher costs.
Taxi driver Ba Alieu Saja described April as particularly challenging for Gambians. “The government should be mindful of its decisions because the election is around the corner. President Barrow and his administration must ensure the people are not overburdened,” he said. Saja added that in some cases, almost all daily earnings go towards buying of fuel, underscoring the financial strain on drivers.
Students are also affected. Maimuna Jallow, a pupil at Mahaad Senior Secondary School, said rising fares are making it harder for her to attend school. “Every day I spend D100 for school needs, and sometimes that’s not enough,” she said.
Drivers have called on the government to address fuel pricing and provide support for commercial vehicles, warning that without intervention, ordinary Gambians will continue to bear the burden of rising transport costs.