Godwin ShaibuBy Elsie Udoh
Fuel scarcity is at it again and biting hard in Nigeria! While the result is a road free from the usual traffic congestion, especially in Lagos, the impact of fuel scarcity is great on the masses.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNigerians—including the local hustlers and commercial drivers—are actively feeling the heat and struggling to cope during this time of great inconvenience. Even the average worker is not exempt, with transport fares skyrocketing and Uber rides costing more than a three-course dinner.
But wait—don’t despair just yet! We are here to provide tips and tricks to help you cope and make the most of this chaos. If you’re looking to adapt, thrive, and maybe even come out of this crisis stronger, then this article has all you need and even more to do just that. Let’s begin with understanding the underlying issues causing the fuel scarcity brouhaha.
Fuel Scarcity: What’s Really Going On?
So, what’s causing this fuel shortage (again)? Well, let’s think back to May 2023, when there was an entire removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria. This meant that the protective blanket that kept fuel prices somewhat bearable was now a thing of the past. Now we’re simply at the mercy of market forces, and they are not playing nice.
Let’s also not forget that Nigeria, although an oil-producing nation, relies on importing refined petroleum products, making it vulnerable to global price shifts. So when there are fluctuations in international oil markets, they directly affect fuel prices in the country.
These rising global fuel costs also have broader ripple effects, including increasing transportation costs, affecting supply chains, and leading to price hikes in goods and services, including Uber fares and food prices; thus, the average citizen is faced with a “pay more or go home” situation.
Long story short, the prices are up with a 40% shift from ₦610 to ₦897 per litre, fuel is scarce, and life in Nigeria is a lot more expensive, so it’s time to buckle up and seek coping strategies.
How Fuel Scarcity is Hitting Nigerians Hard
Before we share ways to handle the current fuel situation, let’s take a moment to evaluate the seriousness of the crisis and understand why it’s crucial to learn how to cope.
- Transportation: Unlike before, where Uber rides could be booked in minutes to enjoy the comfort it brings at an affordable cost, now they only leave you with a drained account. Uber and Bolt have jacked up their fares, with Bolt in Abuja now charging a minimum fare of ₦1,495 from ₦1,300 while its cost per kilometre is now at ₦152 from ₦124 and the charge per minute is ₦25 from ₦21.
“I paid ₦11,000 for a trip from Agboroko to Magodo on Monday, a journey that used to cost around ₦5,000 or ₦6,000,” Dare, a videographer in Lagos, told Prime Business Africa. One frustrated Uber driver, Tayo, also laments, “Before, I could buy fuel for N5,000 and run my trips for the day. Now, I’m spending double that amount, and even my passengers don’t want to pay more. Everybody’s feeling it.”
The charges of local commercial buses are also not far behind, with outrageous price hikes making daily commutes a financial nightmare for workers and road users alike. For people like Amaka, who commutes daily to her job in Ikeja, the price hikes are brutal. “I used to pay N300 for my bus fare from Egbeda to Ikeja, but now it’s N600. That’s just one way. By the end of the week, I’ve spent more on transport than food.”
- Inflation: As if transportation costs weren’t enough, food prices are on a relentless climb. Tomatoes, rice, and even garri now cost more because fuel scarcity has made transporting goods a logistical disaster.
This high cost of living is now the reality for millions of Nigerians, but there are ways to adapt, which we are about to reveal to you.
How to Cope With the Fuel Scarcity (And Actually Make Ends Meet)
Whether you’re commuting, running a small business, or just trying to survive, it is essential to know these tips which will help you cope with the frustrating situation and make the best use of your Naira.
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Fuel-Saving Tricks
If you have a car and want to make your fuel last longer, try these tips:
- Slow down, as smooth and steady driving will save you fuel (and make your trips less stressful).
- Clear out unnecessary junk in your car. The heavier your car, the more fuel it consumes.
- Stop sitting in your car with your engine running. If you’re waiting for a friend or stuck in Lagos traffic, turn off your engine and kickstart when it’s time to move.
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Transportation Hacks
- Rely more on public transportation. Although not as luxurious as an Uber ride, commercial buses, BRTs, and even Okadas are much affordable alternatives that can save you money.
- If you must use an Uber ride, consider carpooling, where you share rides with friends and split the cost.
- Try cycling or walking for short trips; this will not only save you money, but you’ll get some free exercise out of it.
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Make Extra Cash with Side Hustles
When fuel prices go up, so do your daily expenses. That’s why it’s important to get creative and find new ways to boost your income. Here are some side hustles you can start to aid your paycheck:
- Freelance from Home: If you have digital skills like writing, design, or social media management, platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with clients who need your expertise, and you don’t even need to leave the house (a.k.a., no transportation costs).
- Start a Mini-Business: For those who prefer selling goods, social media has become a hub for online stores where you can sell snacks, thrift clothes, or tech gadgets to earn a little extra cash.
- Teach What You Know: Teaching what you know is also a quick way to earn. Whether you’re a tutor, a music teacher, or a fitness trainer, there’s someone out there willing to pay for your lessons.
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Uber Rides Saving Strategies
It’s no secret that Uber and Bolt prices have gone through the roof thanks to fuel scarcity. But there are still ways to avoid breaking the bank on your next ride.
- Use Promo Codes: Keep an eye out for discounts, coupons, and special offers to cut down your fare.
- Choose Cheaper Rides: Go for UberX or whatever the basic option is.
- Plan Ahead: Save Uber for unavoidable moments and opt for cheaper public transport for your daily commute.
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Think Long-term and Depend Less on Fuel
You can do this by:
- Investing in solar energy or
- Using inverters.
Conclusion
Although fuel scarcity sucks and makes life harder, Nigerians have proven time and again to be nothing if not resilient. With the tips highlighted here, such as the fuel-saving tricks to hustle opportunities, you can reinforce your resilience level and never experience a shortage of ways to keep living your best life—even in the chaos.
