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Mogadishu, (insidesomalia.org) – The cost of fuel and public transport has gone up over 100% since the intense fighting between TFG backed by Ethiopian army and insurgence in the last three months.
A litre of petrol was 8,000 Somali Shillings before the fighting resumed again in Mogadishu and currently is over 16,000 SS. For litre diesel oil is currently going for more than 22.000 SS up from 10,000 Somali Shillings.
“in addition to the higher cost of petrol, the distances we cover are longer than before because many streets are blocked down for security reasons and the public is not allowed to go through” said Ahmed Hessian Oman, a driver of a mini bus, whose bus now goes round from Howl wading street, Make Al Macramé Street for his destination to KM4 junction instead of going through the Wadada Ummadda Street.
Taking a bus from KM4 to Hawl Wadag was 1,000 SS before the recent fighting broke; same trip is now over 3,000 SS. There are also less customers around as many people have fled violence in the capital. United Nations estimates over 800,000 people fled from the capital.
Similarly, a bus ride from Mogadishu to Afgoi 32 km South of Mogadishu was 4,000 SS now goes up to 10,000 SS an increase of 150%.
Price surge has hit the pocket of lower income travellers. “You can not go we you are destined in Mogadishu for transport fee is very expensive and many the main streets are choked-up “ said Farah Abdi, a resident at the Elasha,18KM South of Mogadishu, where more than 2,000 people displaced by the fighting in Mogadishu live.
Apart from roaring fuel price the drivers have problems with illegitimate tax they pay to militias at number junction point.
The fighting and instability in capital is having impact on every aspect of daily life of average citizen. Based on current trends, it will be while before situation returns to normality.
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