Motorists and residents in the Federal Capital Territory are facing mounting hardship due to the persistent rise in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), triggering higher transportation costs and driving up the cost of living.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that many fuel stations previously sold petrol between N875 and N880 per litre.
Currently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is selling at N1,261, while other outlets charge between N1,335 and N1,383 or more.
Investigations indicate that petrol prices have been increased more than five times within a single month.
The price surge has forced many commercial and private car owners to park their vehicles due to unaffordable fuel costs.
As a result, few commercial vehicles are operating, leaving commuters, including civil servants, stranded at bus stops across the city.
Some motorists told NAN that the sudden increases have added pressure to daily expenses and worsened the cost of transportation and goods.
Nuhu Sani, a commercial driver, said, “Each time the fuel price goes up, we have no choice but to increase transport fares, but passengers complain because their incomes have not increased.
“The situation is becoming unbearable, as many are struggling to cope with the ripple effects on their livelihoods. This high cost of fuel has also reduced my daily earnings, as fewer people can afford regular travel.”
Grace Okeke, a civil servant, added, “Rising transport fares have significantly affected my monthly budget. I now spend almost double what I used to pay for transportation.
“Even when I have money, there are no vehicles because taxi drivers are complaining they are not making profit. I now go to work twice a week, and this is affecting my productivity.”
Musa Abdullahi, a commuter, noted that the impact goes beyond transportation, saying, “When transporters pay more for fuel, it reflects in the prices of food and other items. Everything is now getting expensive.”
Simon Audu called on the Federal Government to stabilise fuel prices and improve public transportation to reduce reliance on private vehicles and commercial operators.
Economic analyst, Tunde Adebayo, said, “The rising cost of fuel directly affects inflation and the general cost of living. Without targeted interventions, many households will continue to face economic strain. The government needs to prioritise policies that ease the burden on citizens, especially in energy and transportation.”
NAN also reports that the recent price increases have generated widespread concern across all sectors of the economy.
Uber driver, Wale Johnson, explained his decision to stop driving, saying, “If I buy N40,000 fuel, I do not make up to N30,000, so how do I balance bills and feed my family? It is better to stay at home and pray that things get better.”
Similarly, a business owner at Wuse Market, Marie Uzor, warned, “The increase in transportation will make foodstuffs more expensive as everyone wants to sell and make a profit.”
The rising fuel prices continue to place immense pressure on commuters, businesses, and households, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention.