Statistical Analysis of the effect of Changes in Pump Price on Consumption of Petrol in Owerri Municipal, Imo State Nigeria 1973-2016

Nwosu, U.I.* and Okonkwo, C.A.

Department of Statistics, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Owerri, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail Address: nwosuugochinyere@yahoo.com

Abstract

Transportation fare increases when motorists pay more for petrol and this occurs even when the case is marginal. In cases where the cost of petrol doubled, reports have shown that the increase in transportation was astronomical. This in turn affected everything else, including school fees and house rent. The present study considered statistical analysis of the effect of changes in pump price on consumption of petrol in Owerri municipal, Imo State Nigeria 1973-2016. The study statistically checked whether the number of individuals who buy petrol will decrease irrespective of need, if the price of petrol increases. The population of the study was made up of residents of Owerri municipal who buy and use fuel. A sample of 100 individuals were taken in which 67 were males and 33 were females. A pretest was conducted and the outcome yielded r = 0.78 indicating degree of consistency and reliability. Primary and secondary data were collected and used for the study. Regression model was used to confirm formulated hypothesis. Findings revealed that pump price determines consumption rate of petrol. The study recommends that government should deregulate the price of petrol to favour economy of consumers and facilitate the construction of domestic refineries.

Keywords: Transportation fare, Astronomical, Reliability, Regression model, Deregulate