Nearly 63 in 100 Nigerians never expected another increase in petrol price until a hike shocked them this week: N159 a litre.
This is according to respondents in a poll by Daily Trust on Twitter.
The new price is an increase from a previous N149, and the third increase in three months.
It comes at the heart of Nigeria grappling with coronavirus pandemic which has crippled parts of the economy, decimated incomes and hampered businesses.
The economy has gone through its biggest shrinkage in 10 years, according to NBS.
With it yet to recover, price hikes for fuel, power, water, utility and other basic amenities are hitting Nigerians at a bad time.
But one in five Nigerians expected the increase, the poll showed.
Another 17% of Nigerians just “don’t care”, they said.
That’s not what we are expecting from Mr President
— EZEKIEL ISHAKU (@EZEKIELISHAKU12) September 3, 2020
For God sake 140 naira was already too high …y increase to 160….nija is shit
— Emmanuel Devante (@DevanteEmmanuel) September 3, 2020
I have never ever expected it and who ever give the advise would never make it to heaven by God grace
— Big n Bold ? (@U_Adam86) September 3, 2020
I never expected it
— Comr Umar Iliyasu Danbaba (@IliyasuDanbaba) September 4, 2020
I expect it because the way this country is been run on loans something like this will definitely happen, Nigeria is turning into purely capitalist nation.
— Abdul’aziz (@Abdulaziz198328) September 3, 2020
This is very unfortunate considering the effect of the covid 19 which Nigerians are still struggling to overcome the hardship it has brought and now fuel hike again
— Anum Asen Serumun (@AnumAsen) September 3, 2020