Ammon News - By Hicham Sawalka

AMMONNEWS - Owners and drivers of buses transportation in Tafileh went on strike on Sunday in protest of the government's recent decision to lift subsidies on fuel derivatives, which caused a major hike in prices.

The strike affected all bus transportation between Tafileh and the capital Amman and northern governorates, leaving hundreds of citizens stranded at the main bus station in the southern governorate.

The bus owners and drivers protested the government's decision to float gasoline prices and removing government subsidies on fuel derivatives last month, laying the burden of increases in prices on citizens and businesses.

Bus owners found that the JD 0.25 increase on the bus fares for transportation between Tafileh and Amman is not enough considering the substantial increase in prices of fuel derivatives, including 90-octane gasoline and diesel.

Meanwhile, numerous Tafileh residents expressed dismay at the sudden and unannounced decision to go on strike, causing major inconveniences to travelers, including university students and patients needing to reach hospitals in the capital, among others who also work in Amman and other governorates.

"Bus drivers and owners should have announced that they are going on strike a day or two ago, so that people can plan accordingly," one Tafileh resident told Ammon News.