Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are now investing several minutes in negotiating transport fares with drivers as fares continue to escalate in the wake of recent fuel price hikes.
Reports indicate that multiple filling stations across different states have raised the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol.
In reaction, commercial drivers have adjusted transport fares on a variety of routes within the city, prompting commuters to dig deeper into their finances.
In conversations with our correspondent, several residents noted that they now haggle over fares before getting into vehicles to prevent potential embarrassment or the risk of being dropped off midway due to inability to pay the fare demanded by drivers.
This development occurs amid growing concerns surrounding the ramifications of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on global crude oil supply and pricing, particularly with the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Numerous local residents expressed their worries about the escalating fuel costs and the subsequent rise in transport fares, describing the situation as increasingly challenging to manage.
Mr. Stanley Uwalaka, a furniture maker who travels daily from Apo to the Dei- Dei building materials market, indicated that his transportation expenses have considerably increased in the past three weeks, adversely affecting his income.
"Previously, I spent between ₦3,500 and ₦4,000 daily for transportation, but with the recent hikes, my expenses have surged," he commented.
"The fare from Apo Roundabout to Dei-Dei Junction used to be about ₦1,300, but it has now risen to ₦1,600. Occasionally, I have to plead with drivers for a discount."
He also mentioned that several commercial drivers are reluctant to negotiate.
"Some drivers dismiss requests for lower fares, so I sometimes wait for private drivers who might agree to offer a small discount," he explained.
Similarly, a trader known as Mummy Joy, who sells bananas and groundnuts near the Federal Secretariat, shared her concerns about how soaring transportation costs are beginning to threaten her business viability.
"I moved from Mararaba to sell here to access a larger customer base, but it becomes impractical if I end up spending most of my income on transportation," she stated.
She added that many traders from nearby communities are reconsidering their daily commutes.
"A number of the women who used to sell in this area are no longer coming due to transport costs. I've already resolved to stop coming next week if prices don't decline," she said.
On the other hand, some commercial drivers argue that they should not face blame for the transport fare increases, stating that rising fuel prices and maintenance costs are beyond their control.
A taxi driver identified only as Paul, often referred to as “Oga Paul” by his passengers, said that drivers are merely responding to economic pressures.
"People blame drivers for fare increases, but they forget that fuel prices fluctuate," he remarked.
"It is unfair to lay this charge on us since our pricing reflects our fuel purchasing costs. If prices decrease, we will also adjust our fares downwards."
Paul shared that he had considered converting his vehicle to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a substitute for petrol, but ultimately abandoned the idea due to challenges in accessing refuelling stations.
"I contemplated converting my vehicle to CNG, but the difficulties in securing refilling stations deterred me," he noted.
"For most of us, this situation is not what we desired, but the current system is growing harsher, and everyone is feeling the effects."
A civil servant, who wished to remain anonymous, also mentioned that the climbing fuel prices have necessitated adjustments in his travel habits.
"Previously, I would sometimes give others rides at a discounted rate or even for free. However, now, due to rising fuel costs, I occasionally take on passengers to offset my expenses, though I still charge less than commercial rates," he stated.
Investigations reveal that transport fares have surged on several key routes within Abuja.
For instance, the fare from Berger Roundabout to Zuba has increased from ₦1,500 to approximately ₦1,800, while those commuting from Nyanya to Jabi Garage now pay around ₦1,700.
When traveling from Area 1 to Ministers’ Hill, fares hover around ₦700, while the fare from Jabi Garage to Area 1 via Apo Roundabout has seen an increase from ₦500 to ₦700.
In Mararaba, a suburb of Abuja in Nasarawa State, Coaster bus fares have risen from ₦500 to around ₦700, and commuters traveling from Mpape, close to Maitama, to Jabi Garage are facing fares that now range between ₦1,000 and ₦1,200, up from the previous ₦800.
Other fare increases include trips from Lugbe to Berger Roundabout at about ₦1,000, from Berger Roundabout to Karmo at ₦700 (up from ₦500), and from Kuchigoro to the Federal Secretariat where fares have jumped from ₦500 to ₦800.
Additionally, those traveling from Life Camp to Wuse Market are now required to pay approximately ₦800, in contrast to the earlier fare of ₦500.
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