Petrol price: Low Income Earners Face Job Losses Amid Transportation Fares Hike
The recent surge in petrol prices across Nigeria is having a severe impact on low-income earners, as many struggle to cope with soaring transportation costs. The price hike, which has led to petrol selling for between N850 and N1,400 per litre in various parts of the country, has triggered widespread concern among millions of Nigerians, further escalating the financial strain on households.
The increase in fuel costs has affected not only daily commutes but also driven up the prices of essential goods and services, intensifying the hardships faced by many, particularly those on low wages. For individuals like sales representatives, teachers, and security personnel, the burden of rising transportation fares is forcing them to reconsider their employment options.
Amina Abubakar, a sales representative, shared her struggles, stating, “The increase in petrol price has added to my transportation costs, and I’m struggling to afford necessities like food and rent.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Abuja resident, Eche John, who revealed that his transportation expenses have nearly doubled, from N800 to N1,500 per day, since the fuel price hike.
The situation has sparked public outcry and protests under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, with calls for government intervention to alleviate the burden on citizens. Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Archbishop Matthew Kukah, urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the petrol price increase, emphasizing that Nigerians are suffering under the current conditions.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) criticized the federal government, warning that the increase in fuel prices is pushing Nigerians to their limits. Yerima Shettima, President-General of AYCF, cautioned, “Angry and hungry Nigerians are being pushed to the wall, and the reaction of a hungry and angry person may be unimaginable.”
The effects of the price hike are already visible, with low-income earners like commercial motorcyclist Uche Emeka reporting a decline in passengers as many people now opt to walk to their destinations. Meanwhile, workers such as private security personnel and housekeepers are resigning from their jobs due to the unsustainable cost of transportation.
As public frustration grows, experts warn that the worsening economic conditions could lead to increased social unrest and criminal activity. Without urgent action from the government to address the rising cost of living, the hardships faced by millions of Nigerians may only deepen in the coming weeks.
