Fuel Crisis from Middle East War May Push Food Prices Beyond Nigerians’ Reach

Farmers and civil society groups have raised alarm that Nigeria could face rising food costs as the ongoing Middle East conflict pushes up global crude oil prices and drives petrol prices higher at home.

Stakeholders warn that the fuel increase could worsen inflation and reduce access to food, since agriculture and food distribution rely heavily on petrol-powered systems.

Farmers demand urgent government action

The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mohammed Magaji, urged the Federal Government to make petrol both available and affordable to farmers.

He stressed that food production is closely tied to fuel availability.

Magaji said:
“The ongoing energy crisis in Nigeria will affect the cost of food production because farmers rely on petrol to power water pumping engines.

“Everything will increase, and food prices will definitely rise because transportation costs will increase.”

He warned that without intervention, farmers could face serious operational challenges and food could become unaffordable for many Nigerians.

Agriculture under pressure

Dr Nkechi Okafor, AFAN Chairman in the Federal Capital Territory, said rising petrol prices could severely undermine food production.

According to her:
“Food prices will increase because of transportation fares. Nigeria’s system is not considerate of farmers, especially when agricultural inputs are expensive and farm produce sells at low prices.”

Food market impact expected soon

Sandra Victor-Gwafan, CEO of DeBranch Farmers Limited, said the full impact of the petrol price hike will become clearer in the coming weeks.

She said:
“The increase happened only a few days ago, so the full impact may not yet be visible in food markets.

“However, it is expected that the hike will lead to higher food prices in the coming weeks because transportation plays a major role in Nigeria’s food supply chain.”

She noted that farmers, traders and processors depend on petrol-powered generators due to unreliable electricity, which further raises production costs when fuel prices increase.

Entire food chain affected

Jeremiah Olanrewaju of JetFarmsNG said the price hike affects farmers, processors and consumers simultaneously.

He explained:
“Fuel sits at the heart of our food system. When the price rises, the impact quickly spreads across the entire value chain.”

According to him, higher fuel costs mean increased transport fares, higher production expenses and lower farm-gate earnings for farmers.

Rising prices mean ‘double jeopardy’

Dr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, described the situation as a second economic shock for many Nigerians.

He said:
“The removal of fuel subsidy already pushed petrol prices upward. Now global oil price increases linked to Middle East tensions are pushing prices higher again.

“Families are facing another round of increases in transportation, food and basic goods.”

Mamedu warned that higher living costs could weaken economic activity as households spend more on food and transportation.

Civil society warns of deepening hardship

Lanre Arogundade of the International Press Centre said the petrol price increase is worsening Nigeria’s already fragile economic conditions.

Meanwhile, Ene Obi of the Centre for Development warned that inflation will place further strain on households.

She said:
“Those who buy the fuel now triple their pump price and the vulnerable Nigerians are the ones paying the price.”

With millions already living below the poverty line, experts say the fuel price surge could deepen poverty and food insecurity unless urgent measures are taken.