By Abubakar Yunusa
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has cautioned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases during the ongoing yuletide travel season.
The Commission said it received a surge in complaints from travellers across several parts of the country over sudden fare hikes.
In a statement on Sunday, the FCCPC, through its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, acknowledged that seasonal demand and operational pressures could affect transport pricing.
However, it stressed that passengers were entitled to clear, accurate and timely information on fares before embarking on journeys.
“Any fare adjustment must be transparently communicated and applied fairly,” the statement read.
The Commission noted that the complaints were coming amid reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit in some parts of the country.
It said while fuel cost was only one of several factors influencing transport fares, increases that were not properly explained raised legitimate consumer protection concerns.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the Commission was closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive period.
He disclosed that engagements with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide had been intensified.
Bello explained that the engagements were preventive, aimed at encouraging responsible pricing, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.
He clarified that price increases were not unlawful in themselves but warned that exploitative conduct taking advantage of heightened seasonal demand could attract regulatory action under the FCCPA 2018.
The FCCPC also warned that inadequate fare disclosure, coercive practices and coordinated pricing arrangements detrimental to consumers would face strict scrutiny.
Consumers were advised to confirm fares before travel, keep evidence of payment and report suspected unfair practices to the Commission through its complaint portal or designated hotlines
