When fuel prices rise in Nigeria, it’s usually the working class that feels the pain first. Your salary stays the same, but transport fares quietly double. Suddenly, going to work feels like a financial battle.
However, there are cheaper transport hacks to use when fuel prices rise.
Cheap Transport Options You Can Start Using Today
1) Maximize Public Transport (Strategically)
Public transport is still the cheapest option, if you use it wisely.
- Combine buses and walking for short distances
- Use government buses (BRT, LAMATA, state buses) where available
- Travel slightly earlier or later to avoid peak fares
Example:
If you spend ₦1,200 daily on ride-hailing, switching to buses twice a week can save you over ₦10,000 monthly.
2) Embrace Carpooling and Shared Rides
Carpooling is one of the most underrated, cheaper transport hacks to use when fuel prices rise.
How to do it:
- Share rides with colleagues who live nearby
- Rotate driving days
- Split fuel costs weekly
3) Use Micro-Mobility for Short Distances
Not every journey needs a car.
Options include:
- Walking
- Bicycles
- Okada or keke for short trips
While okada fares can rise, they’re still cheaper than private cars for short distances.
Read also how to reduce stress as a working adult in Nigeria.
Smart Fuel-Saving Hacks When You Must Use Your Car
Sometimes, driving is unavoidable. But you can still reduce fuel consumption.
Adopt Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
- Avoid aggressive acceleration
- Turn off your engine during long stops
- Maintain proper tire pressure
Plan Your Trips Better
- Combine errands into one trip
- Avoid traffic-heavy routes using Google Maps or Waze
- Reduce unnecessary outings
Work-Life Hacks That Cut Transport Costs
Transport savings don’t always start on the road; they start at work.
Try these:
- Negotiate remote work days
- Adjust work hours to avoid peak transport fares
- Budget transport separately in your monthly plan
If you want to go deeper, you can also check our guide on how to create a monthly budget to manage rising transport costs better.
Alternative Fuel and Future Transport Options
With petrol becoming expensive, Nigerians are exploring alternatives like:
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)
- Hybrid vehicles
- Electric bikes (still limited but growing)
While CNG conversion requires upfront cost, it can cut fuel expenses significantly in the long run.
Cost Comparison: Which Transport Option Is Cheapest?
| Mode of Transport | Average Daily Cost | Monthly Estimate | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car | ₦1,500–₦3,000 | ₦45,000–₦90,000 | Comfort |
| Ride-Hailing | ₦2,000–₦5,000 | ₦60,000–₦150,000 | Convenience |
| Public Bus | ₦400–₦1,000 | ₦12,000–₦30,000 | Cheapest |
| Carpool | ₦300–₦800 | ₦9,000–₦24,000 | Shared cost |
| Okada/Keke | ₦300–₦700 | ₦9,000–₦21,000 | Speed |
FAQ
Is public transport safe?
It can be, especially if you choose reputable routes and travel at safer hours.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Savings
When fuel prices rise, you don’t have to suffer silently. By combining public transport, carpooling, smarter driving, and flexible work habits, you can drastically reduce your commuting costs.
The truth is simple:
You don’t need to earn more to survive fuel hikes. You need smarter transport choices.
Next, read this post on how to save money on a low income in Nigeria.
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