In Abuja, restaurant owners are feeling the heat of rising fuel price.
With transportation costs soaring, many customers are cutting back, opting for meatless meals or smaller portions.
Indeed, in the bustling streets of Abuja, the aroma of delicious meals that fills the air could make you become hungry immediately.
Yet, beneath this inviting atmosphere, restaurant owners face a daunting challenge.
The high cost of fuel is taking a toll on their businesses, leaving them to plead for government intervention.
On a recent Sunday, several owners gathered to share their experiences.
They explained how the rise in fuel prices has driven up transportation costs, resulting in higher food prices.
Likita Faith, a dedicated restaurant owner, expressed her frustration.
- “I had to raise my food prices by 10 to 15 per cent just to stay afloat and pay my staff,” she said.
She has noticed that many customers now opt for meals without meat or smaller portions, struggling to afford even the basics.
“The government should settle this fuel issue to help Nigerians who are already finding it hard to make ends meet,” she urged.
Judith Akor, another restaurant owner, echoed these sentiments.
Just two months ago, she sold a plate of food for ₦500, but now prices range from ₦800 to ₦900.
Fight To Survive
“Patronage has dropped significantly, and my income is suffering,” she lamented.
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She acknowledged the difficulty of lowering prices but stressed that the government must address fuel costs, as they impact many businesses, both directly and indirectly.
Deborah John, who calls local restaurants the heartbeat of communities, shared her struggles as well.
“The fuel price has increased our operational costs,” she explained.
With rising expenses for transportation, cooking gas, and food items, her income has dwindled due to fewer customers.
“The government needs to take action on fuel prices.
“We need better storage facilities and repairs for our refineries,” she added.
Ngozi Eze, another affected owner, painted a grim picture.
“Three months ago, I sold a plate of rice for ₦500, but now it’s ₦1,000.
“If I don’t sell at this price, I can’t pay my workers or support my family,” she said.
Her plea was simple yet heartfelt: “The government must stop punishing the poor. We are suffering”.
Recent statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal a sharp rise in food prices, affecting staples like beans, yam, garri, onions, rice, and eggs.
As these restaurant owners continue to fight for their businesses and their communities, they hope for a swift resolution to the fuel crisis that is putting their livelihoods at risk.
