…Many passengers cancel trips when they see fare – Drivers lament
…Fuel hike tremendously affects our operations – Treepz CEO
E-hailing drivers in Nigeria are grappling with the severe impact of the recent fuel price hike on their livelihoods and daily operations. The sudden surge in fuel costs has significantly eroded profit margins, making it difficult for drivers to cover their expenses and save for the future.
Treepz, one of the e-hailing platforms, has also experienced operational challenges due to the fuel crisis.
For e-hailing drivers, the spike in fuel prices has drastically reduced profit margins, making it difficult to sustain their businesses.
Samuel Ogunsanya, a driver, shared his frustration: “I used to spend about ₦8,000 a day on fuel, now it’s over ₦20,000. After the ride-hailing platform takes their commission, I’m left with almost nothing. How do they expect us to survive?” Many drivers are now forced to work longer hours to make up for the losses, sacrificing personal time and well-being.
Drivers like Chukwuma have also noticed a shift in passenger behavior. “The fuel hike has led to an increase in fares, but passengers are reluctant to pay these higher rates. Many cancel trips when they see the fare, which results in fewer rides for us. Everyone is feeling the pinch,” he said.
Speaking on the impact of the fuel hike, Founder and CEO of Treepz, Onyeka Akumah, outlined the difficulties faced by the company.
“The fuel hike has had a tremendous impact on our operations. As a mobility company, fuel is our lifeblood. Over the last 48 hours, drivers have struggled to find fuel, and when they do, prices are as high as ₦1,200 per liter, far above the official NNPC rate of ₦885.”
Despite these challenges, Treepz has managed to keep operations running smoothly.
Akumah noted, “We transport over 10,000 employees to and from work every day. Our clients understand the current situation, and we’ve made necessary adjustments to ensure there is no disruption in service delivery.”
Treepz’s ability to retain its drivers during the fuel crisis is a testament to the company’s driver-centered approach. Akumah explained, “So far, we haven’t had any drivers leaving our platform due to the fuel hike. This is because we offer guaranteed and steady income, providing drivers with optimal value for their time and fuel. Unlike other ride-hailing platforms, we ensure our drivers are fairly compensated.”
In response to the fuel hike, Akuma explained that, “Treepz has implemented several initiatives to support its drivers. One such initiative is fuel credits, which allows drivers to refuel without upfront costs.
“The amount is deducted from their earnings after completing services, ensuring they always have access to fuel. Additionally, Treepz has formed partnerships with key fuel stations, giving drivers priority access to refuel through Service Level Agreements, SLAs.”
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