Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have complained that the increase in fuel prices has affected not only the cost of transportation but also the cost of living generally in the city. 

In an interview with Kristina Reports, several residents found at the Utako Market complained bitterly that since the increase in the price of fuel to about N1,000, the cost of foodstuff and other things has increased making it more difficult for them to navigate the current economic challenges being experienced. 

Joel, a carpenter at the market, shared that business has been tough lately due to the rising cost of wood, which has made it hard to make sales, lamenting that customers often don’t understand this challenge, making it difficult for him to quote his service charges. 

Joel admitted that he’s now hesitant to even mention his rates because clients always feel like he’s trying to overcharge them, whereas, in reality, he’s barely making any profit.

“Since this fue increase, every single thing has increased, from the wood to the foam, to the gum. I cannot even tell customers how much I want them to pay me because their reaction is usually very disturbing.” 

“They always feel like I want to cheat them but I am not. That is just the reality now, things are more expensive.”

Jennifer, who was spotted negotiating the price of a bunch of plantains, shared that she had spent about seven minutes trying to get the seller to lower the cost. 

However, the seller kept insisting that the price couldn’t go down because the cost of fuel had increased. Confused, Jennifer couldn’t understand how fuel prices were linked to the cost of plantains.

“I have been trying to buy plantains here o for about seven minutes but she does not want to reduce it from N4,500. See the plantain is not even plenty, and it is not only this plantain.” 

“I went to buy shoes over there and the guy still said the fuel increase is why the price could not be reduced. What is the relationship between plantains, shoes and fuel?”“I think there should be a price regulatory body in this country if there is nothing like that, let these people not over charge us simply because fuel has increased, it is affecting everybody.”