Outrage as Petrol Prices Skyrocket to Over N1,000 Per Litre in Benue

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Residents in Benue State expressed anger and frustration on Saturday as petrol prices soared, with many filling stations selling the product between N980 and N1,100 per litre. This sharp increase has hit motorists and motorbike riders hard, creating a tense atmosphere across the state.

Sudden Price Hike

Prior to this recent adjustment, petrol was being sold at prices ranging from N850 to N950 per litre at stations operated by independent marketers. Meanwhile, black market vendors were charging around N1,000 per litre. The only exception, the NNPC Mega station, rarely has petrol available but when it does, it sells at N617 per litre. However, most other stations in Makurdi and surrounding areas have hiked their prices, leaving residents with no choice but to pay significantly higher rates.

Public Outcry

One commercial motorcycle operator, Christopher, voiced his anger and despair over the continuous rise in fuel prices. He recounted how just a day before, he purchased petrol for N850 per litre, only to find the price had jumped to N980 per litre the following day.

Christopher lamented, “We didn’t expect this. It’s as if the government is intentionally trying to make life harder for us. What did we do wrong by voting for them? Every naira we earn goes straight to fuel costs, leaving nothing for our families. It’s not fair to poor Nigerians, and the government isn’t listening to our pleas.”

Impact on Daily Life

The surge in fuel prices is affecting all aspects of life in Benue. People are struggling to feed their families, children are dropping out of school, and many are avoiding hospitals due to the unaffordable cost of treatment. Residents are questioning the promises made by the government during the elections, as the rising cost of living makes basic necessities increasingly out of reach.

Christopher added, “With food prices also rising, how can anyone believe that things will get better? This government has let us down, and we won’t forget the suffering they are putting us through anytime soon.”

This situation has left the people of Benue feeling betrayed and hopeless, as they continue to grapple with the harsh realities of an economy under pressure.