Nationwide Outcry as Soaring Petrol Prices Disrupt Daily Life

Nigerians are expressing growing frustration as the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, continues to climb, pushing the price per litre to unprecedented levels across several states.

According to checks conducted across filling stations nationwide, some outlets are now selling petrol for as high as N700 to N800 per litre, sparking complaints and concerns over the increasing financial burden on both households and businesses.

Motorists in Lagos, Abuja, and other key urban centers have lamented the sharp rise in prices, stating that the upward trend has made transportation and daily operations more difficult. Many commuters now face inflated transport fares, while small business owners say the cost of fueling generators has significantly increased, affecting profitability.

A commercial driver in Lagos, Mr. Jide Adebayo, noted, “We can’t cope with these new prices. Every day, the pump price changes. We’re forced to increase fares, and passengers are not happy.”

Fuel station operators attribute the fluctuating rates to supply instability and the absence of government regulation following the subsidy removal. Many claim that depot prices have risen, leaving them with no choice but to adjust retail prices accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has warned that unless the government intervenes to stabilize the supply chain and exchange rates, the situation could worsen. An IPMAN representative in the South West noted, “What we’re seeing is a result of market deregulation and forex challenges. Importers are paying more, and it’s affecting everyone down the line.

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With no immediate solution in sight, Nigerians are calling on authorities to take urgent steps to address the fuel crisis. Advocacy groups and analysts suggest that enhancing local refining capacity and improving forex accessibility could help cushion the impact.

For now, citizens continue to grapple with the realities of high fuel costs, hoping for swift action that will ease the pressure on their wallets.