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Residents of Sapele and surrounding communities in Delta State are expressing growing concern over the steady increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, following a fresh adjustment by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The development comes after NNPCL raised the pump price of petrol twice within 24 hours at its filling stations in Abuja and nearby areas, pushing the price from ₦967 to about ₦1,082 per litre. Earlier, the price had already been adjusted from ₦960 to ₦967 per litre.
Although the price changes were first observed in the Federal Capital Territory, the ripple effects are now being felt across several parts of the country, including Sapele, where petrol is currently selling between ₦1,070 and ₦1,082 per litre at some filling stations.
Many residents in the town say they were taken by surprise by the consistent rise in fuel prices within such a short period, noting that the situation is beginning to affect daily transportation and the cost of living.
Checks by newsmen around parts of Sapele revealed that several filling stations have adjusted their pump prices in response to the changes in the fuel market. While petrol remains available in many outlets, motorists and commuters say the continuous upward movement in price has created uncertainty for both transport operators and residents.
The rising cost of petrol has already begun to affect transportation fares within the town.
For instance, the cost of transportation from Amukpe to Sapele Main Market has increased from ₦500 to about ₦700.
Similarly, passengers travelling between Sapele and Warri now pay around ₦3,500, compared to the previous ₦3,000 fare.
Transport operators say the adjustment has become unavoidable due to the higher cost of fuel.
A commercial driver, Mr. David Inoaghan, explained that drivers are often blamed by passengers whenever fares increase, even though the rising cost of petrol leaves them with limited options.
“We are the ones people blame for increasing fares, but they don’t realise how much we now spend on petrol. If we buy fuel at over ₦1,082 per litre, we have no choice but to adjust our fares,” he said.
Another motorist, Mrs. Funke Michael, said the frequent increase in petrol prices has made it difficult for motorists to manage their daily expenses.
According to her, the rapid changes in fuel prices are becoming frustrating for many residents who depend on their vehicles for work and other activities.
“The price keeps changing within a short time. You buy petrol today at one price, and the next day it goes up again. It is becoming very difficult for people to keep up,” she said.
Similarly, a private car owner in the town, Mr. Ken Akinyemi, warned that the continuous rise in petrol prices could further strain household budgets, especially as transportation costs continue to increase.
“Everything is becoming more expensive. When fuel goes up, transport fares increase and the prices of goods will also rise.
Ordinary people are the ones suffering the most,” he said.
Industry observers say the recent increases in petrol prices are largely linked to developments in the global oil market. International crude oil prices recently climbed above $90 per barrel following escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Iran, Israel and other countries.
The crisis has unsettled global energy markets, leading to higher crude oil prices and increasing pressure on petrol prices in several countries, including Nigeria.
The adjustment has also been influenced by changes in refinery pricing within the country. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently raised its petrol loading price from about ₦874 to around ₦995 per litre, a move that has affected the cost of supply to marketers.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on Nigerian oil regulators to step in and monitor the situation in order to prevent sudden and frequent increases in petrol prices.
The association warned that continued instability in fuel pricing could worsen the economic burden on Nigerians, particularly at a time when many households are already struggling with rising living costs.
For residents of Sapele, however, the immediate concern remains the growing impact of petrol price increases on transportation and everyday expenses.
Many residents fear that if the trend continues, transport fares may rise further in the coming weeks, while the prices of essential goods could also increase as traders adjust to the higher cost of moving goods.
As the situation unfolds, residents and transport operators alike are hoping for stability in fuel prices to prevent further pressure on the local economy and household incomes.
