Commercial activities were disrupted in parts of Benin City, Edo State, on Monday as commercial drivers staged a protest over the recent hike in petrol prices, blocking sections of Upper Sakponba Road and leaving many commuters stranded.
The protest, which took place along key points including Aifuwa Street and Pioneer Junction, caused heavy traffic gridlock and forced several passengers to abandon their journeys.
Many were seen trekking long distances in a bid to navigate the roadblocks and find alternative transportation.
The aggrieved drivers, expressing frustration over the sharp increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, called on their colleagues to immediately adjust transport fares to reflect the current economic reality.
They also warned that passengers insisting on paying old fares risk being dropped midway.
One of the protesters, identified simply as John, explained that the situation had become unsustainable for drivers.
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According to him, petrol prices have risen drastically from about ₦870 to ₦1,350 per litre, while transport fares have remained largely unchanged.
He lamented that with daily fuel purchases running into tens of thousands of naira and additional obligations such as settling vehicle owners, many drivers are left with little or no profit to support themselves and their families.
Commuters, however, were caught in the middle of the situation. A passenger who spoke anonymously recounted her experience of being forced to disembark mid-journey after encountering the blockade near Oka Market while traveling from Ring Road.
She noted that she had to carry her belongings and cross the obstruction before finding another bus to continue her trip.
The ripple effect of the fuel price increase is already evident across Benin City, with transport fares rising significantly.
Trips that previously cost between ₦500 and ₦700, such as routes from Idogbo and Ikpoba Hill to Ring Road, now range between ₦800 and ₦1,000.
The development highlights the growing tension between economic realities and public affordability, as both transport operators and commuters struggle to cope with the impact of rising fuel costs.
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