By Our Reporters
A fresh wave of anxiety has swept across Nigeria following the decision by Dangote Refinery to raise the pump price of petrol from ₦774 to ₦874 per litre. Across major cities and rural communities alike, citizens are voicing frustration, describing the increase as unbearable amid worsening economic hardship.
From Lagos to Abakaliki, Port Harcourt to Kano, transporters, traders, civil servants and students say the adjustment could push many households closer to the brink.
“This is too much for ordinary Nigerians,” said Chinedu Okafor, a commercial bus driver in Abakaliki. “When fuel was ₦774, we were already struggling. Now at ₦874, we will have no choice but to increase transport fare. And when we increase it, passengers will complain. Everybody is suffering.”
For many Nigerians, petrol is more than just fuel for vehicles. It powers generators that supply electricity to homes, shops, hospitals and small-scale industries. With erratic public power supply in several areas, the price of petrol directly determines the cost of survival.
Aisha Mohammed, a frozen food seller in Port Harcourt, fears the ripple effects. “I run my freezer almost all day because of poor electricity. If fuel goes up, I will spend more to keep my goods from spoiling. That means I must increase the price of fish and chicken. Customers will blame me, but what can I do?”
Civil society groups and community leaders have begun calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene. In a joint statement released Tuesday, a coalition of consumer rights advocates urged authorities to “engage Dangote Refinery and other industry stakeholders to find a sustainable solution that prioritizes citizens’ welfare.”
“We are sending an SOS to the Federal Government,” the statement read. “Nigerians are hungry. Wages have not increased, yet the cost of living continues to skyrocket. Government must not fold its arms while citizens sink deeper into poverty.”
Parents say the hike threatens their ability to meet basic needs. Ngozi Eze, a mother of three in Enugu, lamented that food prices may rise again. “Transporters will increase fares, traders will increase food prices, and landlords may even adjust rent. But our salaries remain the same. How do they expect us to survive?”
Economic analysts note that fuel price adjustments often have a domino effect on inflation. Transportation costs influence food distribution, manufacturing expenses, and service delivery. With petrol serving as a key driver of economic activity, any significant increase can trigger widespread price adjustments.
Dr. Ibrahim Sani, an economist based in Abuja, explained: “When petrol rises by ₦100 per litre, the impact goes beyond filling stations. Logistics companies adjust their charges, manufacturers factor in higher energy costs, and retailers transfer the burden to consumers. Ultimately, the average Nigerian pays more for everything.”
Some citizens argue that as a major local refinery, Dangote should help stabilize prices rather than contribute to increases. “We celebrated when the refinery started operations because we believed it would reduce our dependence on imports and lower prices,” said Tunde Adebayo, a youth leader in Lagos. “If prices are still rising like this, then what is the benefit to the common man?”
However, industry insiders suggest that factors such as global crude oil prices, foreign exchange fluctuations, and operational costs could be influencing the new pricing structure. They stress that in a deregulated market, price movements may reflect economic realities rather than arbitrary decisions.
Still, public sentiment remains tense. Social media platforms are flooded with calls for policy reforms, subsidies, or temporary relief measures to cushion the impact. Labour unions are also reportedly monitoring the situation, warning that persistent increases could spark organized protests.
“We are not asking for miracles,” said Grace Udo, a teacher in Uyo. “We just want policies that consider the poor. If fuel goes up, salaries should go up too. Otherwise, people will keep falling into hardship.”
As pressure mounts, attention now turns to the Federal Government’s next move. Will it negotiate price moderation, introduce palliative measures, or allow market forces to prevail?
For millions of Nigerians already grappling with high food prices, rent, school fees and medical bills, the answer cannot come soon enough. The ₦100 increase may appear modest on paper, but for households counting every naira, it represents yet another tightening of the economic noose.
Until relief comes, citizens say they will continue to speak out — hoping their collective voice compels swift action to ease the growing strain of survival in Africa’s largest economy.
