Petrol Price Hike and the Travel Behavior of Commuters in Osun State

One major factor that influences vehicle operating costs and transport rates in Nigeria is fuel. The cost of transportation which is largely induced by fuel prices is a major determinant of traveler’s disposition in terms of frequency or number of journeys, distance covered choice of destination, purpose of travel and choice of transportation modes. This paper examines the relationship of fuel hike on the choice of either public or private modes in Osun State. Incidental-Random sampling was used to select 120 travelers from two local government areas in Osun State.

Findings revealed that although fuel scarcity creates scarcity of public transportation and increased fare rates which causes travelers to travel less, travelers prefer to patronize public transit when there is fuel hike because it is considered cheaper relative to the cost of using private means.

It was recommended that the government should provide palliative measures by investing in the provision of mass public transit and subsidizing such services as an alternative to unsustainable subsidization of petroleum products in Nigeria.

Keywords: Fuel, Transportation Cost, Travelers, Travel Behavior, Public Transport