Transporters and commuters across Nigeria are voicing frustration over rising petrol prices, saying the surge is worsening the cost of living and pushing transport fares higher.

Many of them are urging the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to step in and compel oil marketers to reduce pump prices without delay.

Some transport operators say the situation has become unbearable for both drivers and passengers who already face shrinking incomes.

Transport operators struggle with rising costs

A motorcycle operator who identified himself as John Bassey said the increase in petrol prices is making it difficult for transport workers to keep operating.

“Life has become very difficult for me and other operators in the transport sector because of the high cost of petrol,” Bassey said.

He added that many commuters rely on fixed incomes and can no longer afford the higher transport fares that often follow fuel price increases.

“This is because many commuters have fixed income and find it equally difficult to pay exorbitant transport fares,” he said.

Car owners say pump prices remain high

Private car owners are also feeling the pressure.

Mr. Ola Salami said he recently brought his car back on the road after hearing that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had reduced its gantry price.

However, he said he found no difference at fuel stations.

“I had to park my car. I am bringing it out for the first time because I learned that Dangote Refinery has reduced its gantry price,” Salami said.

“But I am disappointed because the price remains high in all the filling stations I have visited so far.”

Some consumers argue that marketers are quick to raise prices when costs increase but slow to cut them when conditions improve.

“Operators, especially depot owners, are always fast to adjust upward prices in their favour,” one consumer said.

“However, they always find it difficult to adjust downward in favour of consumers.”

Economist backs domestic refining

Reacting to the situation, Dr. Muda Yusuf, executive director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had taken a positive step by meeting domestic demand.

He said the development could help Nigeria reduce the amount of foreign exchange previously used for fuel imports.

“I learned the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has been able to meet our domestic demand, according to the latest report of the NMDPRA,” Yusuf said.

“The refinery has done well as this would enable the nation to conserve foreign exchange previously used to import fuel into the nation.”

Yusuf added that government policies should continue to support domestic refining through coordinated trade, fiscal and monetary measures.

He said priority areas should include ensuring reliable crude supply, strengthening petroleum distribution infrastructure and encouraging additional refining investments.

According to him, such measures would help stabilize the fuel market and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.