Residents, transport workers, and business owners in Rivers State are feeling the pressure after the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, surged sharply.
The situation became more difficult on Tuesday as many filling stations along major roads stayed closed because they had no fuel to sell.
A survey by Tribune Online along the busy East-West Road, especially between the Rumuekini and Alakahia communities, showed that the few stations still operating were selling petrol at very different prices.
Kisl Oil and Gas Limited had one of the highest prices at ₦1,500 per litre. Integrated Resources Limited sold petrol for ₦1,400 per litre. Further along the road, Rainoil sold it for ₦1,300 per litre, while Williete sold for ₦1,250.
At the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited station on Stadium Road, petrol was slightly cheaper at ₦1,280 per litre. However, Nelly Val Oil and Gas sold even higher at ₦1,550 per litre.
On the Eleme-Igbo Etche Road, Sobaz and Reason Oil stations were both selling petrol at ₦1,300 per litre, showing the wide range of prices across the city.
Despite the high prices, there were no long queues at the stations. Motorists were able to buy petrol without much delay from the few outlets that still had supply.
But behind the calm situation at fuel stations, many residents say the rising price of petrol is causing serious financial hardship. The transport sector is among the worst affected, with drivers struggling to stay in business.
Commercial driver Preye Izogu said the sudden increase is hurting drivers badly and accused some station owners of quickly raising prices.
“The increase in fuel price is really affecting us negatively,” he said. “The worst part is that once fuel attendants hear about a price increase, they immediately adjust their pump price. Just last week, we were buying petrol for ₦950 per litre, but once the price increased a little, they raised it without even finishing their old stock. Today, I bought petrol for ₦1,200 per litre. We are suffering.”
Another driver, Chidi Amadi, said the transport business is becoming less profitable.
“Transportation business is gradually dying,” he said. “It is now difficult to even pay the vehicle owners the daily money we owe them. We are not making any profit, and feeding our families has become very hard because of the cost of petrol. The government should help us so this high price will not push us out of business. Right now, petrol stations are taking all our earnings.”
Drivers also say the high cost of petrol is affecting vehicle maintenance and daily operations.
Kenneth, another commercial driver, said the situation is frustrating, especially for a country that produces oil.
“The price of petrol is too high even though Nigeria produces oil,” he said. “When you take your car to a mechanic, the cost of basic repairs is shocking because they also complain that fuel is expensive. But if we try to increase transport fares, passengers refuse to pay. In the end, we lose because we waste fuel while waiting for passengers.”
Driver Edwin Echeon said the constant changes in petrol prices are making it difficult for transport workers to plan.
“The prices are not stable,” he said. “Some stations sell for ₦1,200, others ₦1,400, and even ₦1,500. Just last week we bought petrol for ₦700, but now it has increased again. If we raise transport fares, passengers complain. From here to Pipeline, the fare used to be ₦500, but now we added ₦100. Many passengers still find it hard to pay.”
Residents are also feeling the impact. Emem Okon urged the federal government to take action.
“We don’t understand why petrol prices keep increasing,” she said. “We are begging the government to step in because food prices are already high. Life is becoming very difficult for everyone.”
For now, food prices in markets such as Okuru Market in Abuloma have not increased. However, traders say the situation may soon change.
A trader, Folashade Ibrahim, warned that prices could rise once sellers begin restocking their goods.
“The prices of goods have not changed yet,” she explained. “But once traders go to buy new supplies, the cost will likely increase.”
Logistics operators are already feeling the effects of higher fuel prices. Courier worker Lucky Maxwell said transport costs for goods have risen sharply.
“This will definitely affect business,” he said. “For example, I used to pay ₦8,000 for a waybill delivery, but now I pay ₦13,000. When the goods arrive, I will have to add that extra transport cost to the final price to make a profit. This will affect sales and make goods more expensive.”
