Fuel Price Hike Hits Residents Hard in Yola

Fuel Price Hike Hits Residents Hard in Yola

Residents of Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, are grappling with the rising cost of petrol as fuel prices continue to increase across filling stations in the city.

As of Tuesday, March 11, 2026, several fuel stations in Yola were selling petrol for as high as ₦1,340 per litre, while others dispensed the product at around ₦1,200 or even higher, depending on availability. The sharp rise in price has triggered a ripple effect on transportation and the cost of daily living for many residents.

Commercial transport operators, particularly tricycle riders—popularly known as “Keke Napep”have begun adjusting their fares in response to the rising cost of fuel. Many passengers who previously paid ₦300 for short trips within the city now pay ₦500 or more, depending on the distance.

Some tricycle riders say the increase in fares is unavoidable. According to a rider operating around the Jimeta axis, the high fuel cost has significantly reduced their profit margin.

“We used to buy fuel at a lower price, but now some stations sell at ₦1,340. If we continue carrying passengers at the old rate, we will not even recover the money we use to buy fuel,” he said.

Passengers, however, have expressed frustration over the sudden increase in transport fares. Many residents say the situation is making life more difficult, especially for workers, students, and traders who rely on tricycles for daily movement.

A civil servant in Yola said the increase in transport fares is already affecting household budgets.

“Transportation alone is taking a big part of our salary now. If fuel keeps increasing, everything else will also go up,” she said.

Traders and small business owners have also raised concerns that the fuel price hike could lead to higher prices for goods and services in local markets, as transportation costs increase for suppliers and retailers.

Some residents  note that fuel price fluctuations often have a direct impact on transportation and the general cost of living in Nigerian cities, including Yola.