Commercial bus drivers in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Tuesday embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the persistent rise in the price of petrol.

The drivers withdrew their services around 10 a.m., citing the sharp increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which they said has jumped from about ₦876 per litre to as high as ₦1,350.

The action left many commuters stranded across several parts of the city, including Orji, Owerri Municipal and the Mbaise axis.

One of the drivers, Chidi Njoku, who spoke with reporters at the Orji area, said transport operators could no longer sustain their operations due to the rising cost of fuel.

According to him, the continuous increase in petrol prices has made it difficult for drivers to remain in business and urged the government to intervene.

A trader at the New Market in Owerri, Roseline Edi, also expressed concern over the situation, noting that the hike in fuel prices has worsened the cost of living for many families.

She explained that the rising cost of transportation has begun to affect the prices of goods in the market.

Checks at several filling stations across Owerri on Tuesday showed petrol selling above ₦1,300 per litre at many outlets, reflecting the growing instability in the local fuel market.