Tension Rises as petrol price hike sparks fresh public rage, transport fares rise, hardship across Nigeria

Nigerians have voiced widespread frustration following the latest increase in petrol prices, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the second time within four days.

Reports indicate that on Saturday the state-owned oil company adjusted the pump price from N960 to N967 per litre, representing a N7 increase.

The new price has already taken effect at NNPCL filling stations in Abuja and surrounding areas, triggering reactions from motorists and consumers who fear the development could worsen the country’s rising cost of living.

An Abuja resident, Darlington Ebube, who was reported to have spoken to a journalist expressed displeasure over the increase, questioning the rationale behind the latest adjustment.

“I don’t even know why they increased it like this. Fuel is already over N1,000 in some places, and it’s going to be hard now because transport fares will increase and the condition of this country will just get worse,” he said.

“The funny thing is that once fuel increases, everything else increases.”

The development has also sparked reactions on social media, where many Nigerians expressed anger and concern over the impact of the hike on household finances.

A user identified as @ ADESNUR questioned the sudden rise in prices, asking: “Why the sudden inflation, why the sudden cost?”

Another user, @TOPTTTT, said while the frustration is understandable, attention should also be given to broader issues affecting fuel supply.

“The frustration is understandable, but the focus should be on global factors and supply stability, not the refinery alone,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @killer bean lamented that despite Nigeria being an oil-producing nation, citizens are still affected by global developments.

“We have our own oil, our own refineries, but we’re still affected by the war,” the user said.

Another commenter, @adello, criticised the government’s reliance on private refining capacity, saying: “I don’t know why the Nigerian government would depend on Dangote when he is only after his own interest.”

Others pointed to the already difficult economic situation facing Nigerians.

“With the cost of living already high, any petrol price increase will hit Nigerians hard,” wrote @IDRISGARBA.

Another user, @Marvis, argued that citizens see little justification for the persistent price hikes.

“We are producing oil and yet we are the ones suffering,” the user said.

Meanwhile, @Damnit c blamed the government for the situation, while @Christopher argued that the blame should not be placed solely on private refinery operators.