Fuel Hike: FCT Residents Lament Rising Transport Fares

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have raised concerns about higher transport fares after the recent rise in the price of petrol across Nigeria. The situation became noticeable in Abuja on Friday as commuters reported paying more to move from one part of the city to another. The increase followed the adjustment of petrol prices at filling stations in the territory.

Reports show that petrol, which was previously sold between N835 and N875 per litre in the FCT, is now selling between N1,200 and N1,350. As a result of the increase, many commercial vehicle operators have raised transport fares across different routes in the city. Some commuters said the cost of transportation has nearly doubled within a short period.

Passengers travelling from Nyanya to the city centre explained that fares have already risen compared to what they paid a few days ago. One commuter who works in the Garki area said the amount she spends to reach her workplace has gone up within a week. According to her, the difference in daily fares may appear small at first but becomes heavy when calculated for several days of commuting.

Other residents also shared similar experiences. A passenger travelling from Nyanya to the Federal Secretariat reported paying N700 instead of the N500 that was previously charged. Another commuter said the fare from Masaka to the city centre had risen to N1,200, compared to the earlier cost of N700.

In Lugbe, passengers said the fare to Wuse increased from N800 to about N1,000, while some drivers demanded up to N1,200.

Residents travelling from Kuje to Berger also said the cost of transportation had increased from N1,300 to N1,500. Motorcycle operators have also adjusted their charges as the fuel price change continues to affect movement within the city.

Some commuters expressed worry that the increase in transport fares may lead to higher food prices in markets. They explained that traders often adjust the price of goods whenever the cost of moving items rises. According to them, the effect of the fuel increase may soon be seen in the price of food and other essential items.

Commercial drivers explained that the change in fares was necessary for them to continue operating. One taxi driver said he bought petrol at N1,250 per litre the previous day but paid N1,350 the following day. According to him, drivers have to increase fares to cover the rising cost of fuel and avoid operating at a loss.

Observers also noticed fewer vehicles on some major roads in Abuja as many vehicle owners began to feel the effect of the new fuel price. Some drivers reduced their trips while others stayed away from the roads due to the higher operating costs.

An economist, Ibrahim Sule, explained that fuel price increases often affect many sectors of the economy. He said transportation plays a major role in determining the price of goods, especially food items moved from rural communities to city markets.

According to him, when transport costs increase, traders usually transfer the extra cost to consumers.

Sule advised the government to introduce measures that could help residents cope with the situation. He suggested improving mass transit systems and strengthening social support programmes to reduce the burden on the public.

He also noted that investing in other forms of transportation could help reduce the country’s reliance on petrol-powered vehicles.