Residents and commuters across the Federal Capital Territory are crying out over severe financial hardship following a fresh wave of petrol price increases. Pump prices across Abuja have surged to between N1,410 and N1,450 per litre at various retail filling stations.

The latest upward adjustment follows a recent increase in ex-depot prices from major suppliers, sparking widespread frustration among motorists and daily commuters.

The sharp rise in fuel costs has immediately driven up public transportation fares across major satellite towns and central routes. Commercial drivers, taxi operators, and tricycle riders explain that they were forced to hike fares to avoid operating at a complete loss. Daily commuters travelling into the city centre from areas like Kubwa, Nyanya, and Lugbe are now spending significantly more on daily transportation than they did just weeks ago.

Civil servants and private-sector workers in the nation’s capital report that rising transport costs are swallowing a major portion of their monthly salaries. To cope with the escalating expenses, many private car owners have parked their vehicles and resorted to public transport or carpooling. Others report being forced to divert funds previously set aside for household groceries and basic utilities just to cover their daily commute to work.

The impact of the fuel hike is also spilling over into local food markets and retail trade. Market traders note that higher logistics and haulage costs have driven up the prices of staple foodstuffs and everyday commodities. Small business owners express fear that the shrinking purchasing power of consumers will lead to reduced sales and further economic stagnation across the capital.

In light of the growing economic pressure, FCT residents and civil society groups are urging the Federal Government to take urgent steps to stabilize fuel prices. Stakeholders are calling for immediate interventions, such as expanding public mass transit systems and reviewing distribution fees, to ease the transportation burden on workers. Without targeted relief measures, residents warn that the relentless cost-of-living crisis will continue to push vulnerable families deeper into hardship.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper