Yuletide: FCCPC cautions transporters over arbitrary fare increases

 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned inter-city road transport operators against imposing arbitrary and unjustified fare increases during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission said it had recorded a surge in complaints from commuters across the country over sudden hikes in transport fares, despite recent reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) in some locations.

The Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, acknowledged that seasonal demand, operational challenges and other cost-related factors could influence pricing. However, he stressed that passengers are entitled to clear, accurate and timely information on fares before embarking on any journey.

“While fuel cost is only one of several inputs that may affect transport fares, any increase must be transparently communicated and fairly applied. Unexplained or undisclosed fare adjustments raise legitimate consumer protection concerns,” the statement said.

Also speaking, the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the commission is closely monitoring the conduct of transport operators throughout the festive season.

Bello disclosed that the agency has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide to promote responsible pricing, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.

He noted that although price increases are not illegal in themselves, practices that exploit consumers or take unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand could attract sanctions under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

According to him, actions such as poor fare disclosure, coercive practices or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of commuters would be subjected to strict regulatory scrutiny.

“Where violations are established, offenders will face stiff penalties,” Bello warned.

The FCCPC advised commuters to always confirm fares before travel, keep evidence of payment and report any suspected unfair practices through its complaints portal or designated hotlines.

The warning comes days after the commission launched a probe into ticket pricing templates used by some domestic airlines following public complaints over sharp fare increases on certain routes.