Kaduna Fuel Crisis: ₦1,400 Per Litre Sparks Transport Chaos

Kaduna Fuel Crisis: ₦1,400 Per Litre Sparks Transport Chaos

Residents of Kaduna State are facing a fresh wave of economic crisis as transportation fares have spiked following a surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). In many parts of the metropolis, petrol is now being sold for as high as ₦1,400 per litre, particularly at independent retail outlets and the "black market."

The impact on commuters has been immediate. Intra-city commercial transport operators, including tricycle (Keke) and bus drivers, have adjusted their fares upward to remain profitable.
Keke Napep and bus's short trips that previously cost ₦300 have jumped to ₦500 or ₦600.

Many residents have resorted to trekking long distances to save costs, while others report spending nearly double their daily budget on transportation alone.

Commercial drivers at popular parks like, Kawo Motor Park, Television Garage and Command Junction expressed frustration, stating that the price at the pump currently around ₦1,250–₦1,350 at official stations is rarely accessible without long queues.

"We are not trying to punish passengers," said Sani, a local bus driver. "But when you buy fuel at ₦1,400 to avoid sleeping at the station, you have no choice but to increase the fare just to break even."

This latest hike is largely attributed to global crude oil volatility and adjustments in refinery gantry prices. Beyond transportation, residents are bracing for a secondary surge in food prices, as the cost of moving agricultural produce from rural areas to the city markets continues to climb.