Nigerians in Lagos are facing rising fuel prices as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global oil supplies and drive up the cost of living.
On Monday, at the city's gas stations, the price of gasoline exceeded 1,000 naira (US$0.73) per liter, following the latest increase last Friday.
"I wasn't expecting it at all. I thought fuel prices would go down. But now that it's happened, I think I filled up twice this weekend. And it's really hitting us hard (it's too expensive)," said Adegbola Isaac, a driver.
This surge follows a rise in global oil prices, with deliveries disrupted on key transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy supply.
"We have to deal with all these expenses; transportation costs have increased, but wages have not. So, this affects us. What we used to buy for maybe 200 ($0.15), 300 ($0.22) or 1,000 ($0.73) naira; an item that cost 1,000 naira ($0.73) now costs 1,500 naira ($1.1). Everything is going up," explained Felicia Iwasa, a small business owner.
"What I earn each month and what I spend have really increased, and the situation is really difficult. As for my colleagues who earn less than me, they complain a lot because expenses have really increased while salaries haven't really increased, and it's very difficult for everyone," said Paul Joshua, project manager.
Global petrol and diesel markets have tightened, with supply concerns driving up prices and reshaping trade flows, according to industry data.
Although it is an oil producer, Nigeria is heavily dependent on imports of refined fuels, which exposes it to international price shocks.
