On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, many filling stations in Anambra State closed their doors after news spread that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited had directed a hike in fuel prices from N617 to N897 per litre.
In Awka, the state capital, by 5 pm on Tuesday, the only station still selling fuel was Rainoil, located along the Enugu-Onitsha road.
Due to the price increase, commercial vehicle operators raised their fares significantly. This led to many commuters either walking part of their journey or cutting costs by combining walking with transportation.
For example, a trip that used to cost N200 by public transport now costs N350. Additionally, the fare from Awka to Onitsha and Awka to Nnewi jumped from N1000 to N1300.
Some filling stations that had fuel available until the end of Monday reported that their supply had run out and they were left idle with empty pumps. Many commercial vehicle operators, unable to find fuel, have either parked their vehicles at home or left them in long queues at filling stations.
