Commercial transport operators in Benin City on Monday staged a protest over the rising cost of petrol, blocking parts of the busy Upper Sakponba Road and disrupting movement across the area.
The drivers, angered by the sharp increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, mounted roadblocks at key points including Aifuwa Street and Pioneer Junction, leaving commuters stranded and forcing many to trek long distances to reach their destinations.
During the protest, the drivers also called on colleagues to immediately adjust transport fares to reflect current fuel prices.
They warned that passengers insisting on paying previous rates risked being dropped before reaching their destinations.
One of the protesters, who identified himself simply as John, said the situation had become unbearable, stressing that operators could no longer sustain their business under the current pricing structure.
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He explained that petrol, which previously sold for about ₦870 per litre, now goes for as high as ₦1,350, making it difficult for drivers to cover daily expenses and still make a profit.
According to him, the cost of fueling a vehicle and settling transport owners leaves little or nothing for personal upkeep, describing the protest as a matter of survival.
Commuters caught in the disruption expressed frustration, with one passenger recounting how she was forced to disembark midway after encountering the blockade near Oka Market.
She said she had to continue her journey on foot before seeking alternative transportation.
The protest comes amid a broader rise in transport fares across the city. Routes such as Idogbo to Ring Road and Ikpoba Hill to Ring Road have seen fares increase from between ₦500–₦700 to as high as ₦800–₦1,000.
The development highlights the growing impact of fuel price hikes on daily life, as both transport operators and passengers grapple with the economic strain.