Ibadan drivers seek FG intervention as petrol price increases

Commercial drivers and commuters in Ibadan have appealed to the federal government to intervene in the rising cost of petrol, warning that the sharp increase is placing significant pressure on both transport operators and the general public.

The operators, particularly commercial motorcycle and tricycle drivers, said the latest petrol price surge has made daily operations increasingly difficult, as they struggle to balance rising fuel costs with passengers’ ability to pay higher transport fares.

Across parts of the city, petrol that previously sold for about ₦840 per litre has climbed to between ₦1,130 and ₦1,300 as of Thursday, forcing transport operators to adjust their fares in response to the higher operating costs.

As a result, commuters are now paying an additional ₦200 to ₦300 on some routes, a development that has sparked complaints from both passengers and transport operators who say the situation is becoming unsustainable.

Rising fuel costs hit transport operators

Peter Adewale, a tricycle driver, said the increase in petrol prices has created hardship for drivers and commuters alike. According to him, the current cost of fuel makes it difficult for operators to make meaningful profits while still keeping fares affordable.

He explained that many drivers are struggling to find a balance between covering their expenses and retaining customers, especially as passengers increasingly negotiate fares in an effort to cope with the rising cost of transportation.

For many commuters, the situation has also translated into higher daily expenses.

A trader, Efunsunbo Ayinde, warned that the continued rise in petrol prices could trigger a broader increase in the cost of goods, particularly food items that rely heavily on transportation from farms and markets.

She explained that traders depend on transport services to move goods between locations, meaning any increase in transport costs will inevitably be reflected in the prices consumers pay.

Osogbo minibus drivers protest rising fuel costs

Ayinde also highlighted the vulnerability of low-income earners whose livelihoods depend on daily activities. According to her, many Nigerians, including artisans and sachet water sellers, rely on daily income to meet basic needs, making them particularly sensitive to rising transportation costs.

“If they do not go out to work each day, they may not even have money to eat,” she said, noting that such groups are among those most affected by the ongoing fuel price increases.

Commuters call for government intervention

A government employee, Simeon Andrew, also said the petrol price hike has significantly affected his personal finances.

He explained that his daily transportation cost to work has risen from about ₦3,000 to nearly ₦5,000, despite the fact that his income has remained unchanged.

Andrew noted that although Nigerians have historically demonstrated resilience in difficult economic situations, the government must take steps to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on citizens.

He added that without intervention, the growing financial pressure could deepen the economic hardship already being experienced by many households.