By Rita Mokobia and Mowete Austin
ASABA/Nigeria: Residents of Okpanam and Asaba in Delta State are grappling with a worsening cost-of-living crisis, as sharp increases in fuel and food prices continue to strain household incomes and business operations, a recent market survey has revealed.
Findings across major filling stations in Okpanam show that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has climbed steeply in recent weeks, triggering widespread anxiety among commuters, traders, and residents who describe the situation as increasingly unbearable.
At Ezeani Oil and Gas in Amachai, petrol now sells for ₦1,265 per litre, up from between ₦750 and ₦800. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) station in Obodogba dispenses at ₦1,250, while Rainoil and Alphabakeez stations sell at ₦1,300 and ₦1,270 per litre respectively. In some instances, prices have surged to as high as ₦1,400 per litre amid supply shortages.
Several filling stations were observed either shut or rationing supply, leading to long queues of vehicles and motorcycles as residents scramble to secure fuel.
A resident, Mr. Success Osonye, expressed frustration over the ripple effects of the price hike, noting that the increase in fuel costs has directly translated into higher food prices. “The increment in the price of fuel has caused a high increase in the prices of food commodities in the market,” he said.
The surge in petrol prices has also triggered a spike in transportation fares across key routes, with commuters reporting that costs have nearly doubled in some cases. Workers and students say they now spend a significant portion of their daily earnings on transport, while small business owners—particularly those dependent on petrol-powered generators—struggle with rising operational expenses.
Another resident, Miss Delightful, lamented that the escalating cost of fuel has made it increasingly difficult for businesses to remain viable, warning that continued increases could worsen inflation and deepen economic hardship.
The impact is equally evident in food markets across the area. At Midwifery Market in Okpanam, staple food prices have risen sharply, with a 50kg bag of rice now selling between ₦65,000 and ₦75,000, up from about ₦45,000. Beans cost over ₦60,000 per bag, while garri sells for as much as ₦40,000. Yam prices have doubled, with a single tuber ranging from ₦1,500 to ₦2,500, and palm oil now goes for up to ₦2,200 per litre.
Traders attribute the spike to increased transportation costs and supply chain disruptions linked to rising fuel prices.
At Ogbogonogo Market in Asaba, the situation appears even more severe, particularly for perishable goods. A basket of tomatoes now sells between ₦25,000 and ₦30,000, up from about ₦10,000, while pepper costs over ₦20,000 per basket. A bag of onions has crossed the ₦50,000 mark, with rice and beans also recording higher prices compared to surrounding areas.
A foodstuff trader, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, identified transportation as the major driver of the increase. “The cost of bringing goods from the North has gone up because of fuel,” he explained.
Consumers say the sustained rise in food prices is forcing painful adjustments. Many households now buy in smaller quantities, switch to cheaper alternatives, or reduce meal portions, while others admit to skipping meals altogether.
Mrs. Rita Ojo, a mother of three, described the situation as distressing. “Feeding my family has become very difficult. Prices keep going up every week,” she said.
Traders, on their part, report declining patronage as customers can no longer afford bulk purchases, further compounding economic pressure within local markets.
Similar trends were observed in Isele Azagba, where petrol prices have also surged, intensifying financial strain on households and businesses already grappling with rising costs. The persistent upward trend has sparked widespread concern, with many Nigerians struggling to adjust
Industry experts attribute the continued hike in fuel prices to a combination of factors, including global crude oil price fluctuations, a weakened naira, and Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
For many households, the consequences are immediate and severe. Transportation costs have risen sharply, daily living expenses have increased, and small businesses—particularly those reliant on generators due to erratic power supply—are facing nearly double their previous operating costs.
“I spend much more on fuel now than I did last month,” a local shop owner said. “It is becoming difficult to keep my business running and still make profit.”
The ripple effects are being felt across multiple sectors, with logistics operators and manufacturers warning that continued increases in fuel prices could force them to scale down operations or pass additional costs on to consumers, further driving inflation.
While government officials insist that ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector are necessary for long-term economic stability, many residents are calling for immediate intervention to cushion the impact of rising fuel and food prices.
Analysts warn that without significant improvements in local refining capacity and exchange rate stability, fuel prices may remain volatile, leaving households and businesses under sustained economic pressure.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents across Asaba, Okpanam, and Isele Azagba fear that without urgent relief measures, the deepening cost-of-living crisis could spiral further, worsening hardship across the region.
