Five ways rising fuel prices are reshaping mobility in Nigeria

In Nigeria, transportation is now perceived as a burden in some households, as rising fuel prices squeeze incomes and reshape how people commute across the country.

The recent surge in petrol prices has forced many to switch to cheaper alternatives, adjusting their daily routines to avoid spending more on transportation, especially amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, global oil market tensions, and domestic pricing adjustments.

“I never expected this massive increment in transportation costs; it was unexpected, and if things continue like this, it might be eating deeper into my income,” Oluwole Crowther, economic analyst, said

Across many Nigerian cities, transport costs have more than doubled as pump prices increased by 43.7 percent from N835 per litre to above N1,200 per litre, affecting both commuters and transport operators.

Read also: Nigeria firms pivot to hybrid work as commuter costs spiral

Here are five ways rising fuel prices are reshaping mobility in Nigeria

Shift to CNG

As rising petrol prices are pushing up transport costs, a shift towards Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is rapidly reshaping mobility in Nigeria

The shift is mostly seen in the public transportation sector, where vehicles are being converted to reduce operating costs and lower passenger fares.

Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, recently directed an immediate deployment of about 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across the country to cushion the adverse effects of the escalating Middle East conflict.

Reduced private car usage

Nigerians are cutting down trips with their private cars as high petrol prices bite harder.

For instance, a 2006 Toyota Camry, with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 70 liters, usually costs N58,450 to fill but currently costs N84,000, forcing car owners to limit how they drive.

Increased reliance on public transit

Daily transport expenses have become unsustainable, forcing many to switch to cost-effective public transport.

High petrol prices have led people to rely heavily on public transportation, especially in Lagos State, where many residents use Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), trains, and commercial vehicles to get around.

Shared mobility

To cut transportation costs, many Nigerians are sharing rides on ride-hailing platforms, where three or more people heading to similar destinations can book a ride together.

This includes carpooling, where users share a ride with others going in the same direction to reduce costs. For example, work colleagues coming together to cut transport costs.

Informal transport solutions

With transportation becoming a major burden for many households, many private car owners are now turning to commercial drivers to use their vehicles for extra income.

What was once seen as an asset has become a survival tool to curb rising fuel costs and maintain their standard of living.