By Jumoke Abubakar
The recent surge in petroleum prices across Nigeria is being felt most acutely by ordinary citizens, as rising fuel costs continue to strain household incomes and small businesses.
Analysts attribute the increase partly to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which has disrupted global oil supply and pushed crude prices to record levels.
For Nigerians already grappling with the removal of fuel subsidy, the combined pressure has worsened economic hardship. Our correspondent reports from the streets of Abuja.
A commercial motorcycle operator, Usman Dagogo, says the situation has become increasingly difficult as fuel costs have more than doubled, forcing fare increases that many passengers can no longer afford.
“What I used to spend to fill my tank has doubled. Fares have gone from 500 to 800, sometimes 1,000 naira, and passengers are pushing back. Some have stopped boarding altogether because they cannot afford the new rates. This is affecting everything, food, everything. I beg the government to help the masses.”
Another motorcyclist in Nyanya, Chukwudi Emmanuel, described a similar struggle, saying daily operating costs have risen sharply while income has declined.
“Before, 2,000 to 3,000 naira could sustain a full working day. Now you spend 10,000 and it still does not last. Fuel is selling for about 1,300 to 1,400 naira per litre at some stations. To fill a tank, you need over 30,000 naira. Even feeding the family is not easy.”
For salary earners, the situation is equally challenging. A civil servant, Ibrahim Shuaibu, who lives in Kubwa in the Bwari Area Council, says his monthly income is no longer sufficient to meet basic needs.
“Transportation alone takes over 20,000 naira monthly. Add feeding, school fees and family support, and there is nothing left. Our staff bus is not working, so we pay for commercial transport. The subsidy removal is crushing the poor masses. We do not know where those funds are going.”
The crisis is also affecting small businesses. A food vendor, Hajia Zainab, says rising costs of ingredients and cooking fuel have forced her to reduce production and raise prices, driving away customers.
“Before, I would cook five mudu of rice. Now I cook two. Customers come, they see the price and they walk away. Gas has gone up, tomatoes have gone up. Everything is in that one plate of food, but people cannot pay.”
Young job seekers are also feeling the impact. A graduate, Stephanie Okafor, says high transport costs are limiting her access to job interviews and opportunities.
“I used to attend three to four interviews a week. Now I pick one or two because transport is too expensive. I am spending my savings just to move around. How are we supposed to build our lives in this economy?”
From motorcycle riders to food vendors, civil servants to graduates, the stories from Abuja reflect a common theme: rising hardship and shrinking purchasing power.
With fuel prices remaining high and no immediate relief in sight, many Nigerians said they are increasingly struggling to cope.
