Fuel-increment-crisis:-How-to-navigate-through-this-season-as-a-student

As the Nigerian economy and transportation continue to rely heavily on PMS, any fluctuation in fuel prices can create significant challenges for individuals, businesses and students who are not left out. Fuel increment crises can result from a multitude of factors, such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, or changes in market demand. These situations can lead to soaring fuel prices, which could deal a devastating blow on the livelihood and way of life of many people.

The price of PMS in the country skyrocketed from #488 to #588 and #617 in the space of two weeks. As a student, the impact of fuel price increments can be particularly challenging, as it affects your daily commute to college, part-time jobs, or social activities. The surge in fuel prices can strain your budget, causing financial stress and affecting your overall well-being. However, with careful planning and adopting some smart strategies, you can effectively navigate through the fuel increment crisis and minimize its impact on your life. Here, we will explore some practical ways to help you cope during these challenging times.

• Ride-sharing: One of the most effective ways to reduce fuel expenses is by ride-sharing with friends, classmates, or colleagues who live nearby and commute in the same direction. There are two ways to this. First, by tagging along with the friend every possible time to drastically reduce the strain on you financially. Also, by sharing the cost of fuel and splitting the expenses, you can significantly cut down on your individual expenditure. 

• Walk/Track with a bicycle: If your college or workplace is within a reasonable distance from your home, consider adopting a more eco-friendly and economical approach by cycling or walking. Not only will this reduce your reliance on fuel, but it will also promote a healthier lifestyle and help you save money on transport costs. For institutions with far center to the entrance, an alternative to trekking is getting a bicycle for tracking to and fro every day. 

• Embrace remote learning or job opportunities: With the advancements in technology, many educational institutions and companies now offer remote learning and work-from-home options. Whenever possible, take advantage of these opportunities to save on commuting costs altogether. Participating in online classes or working from home not only reduces your fuel expenses but also provides greater flexibility in managing your schedule. 

• Plan efficient routes: This is for vehicle owners among students. If you must use your vehicle, plan your routes efficiently to minimize fuel consumption. Combine multiple errands in one trip and avoid peak traffic hours whenever possible. Peak hours can be referred to a rush hour period with high degree of traffic on the road. It mostly falls within 7:30am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm. 

• Seek financial assistance: If the fuel crisis severely impacts your ability to commute or manage other essential expenses, consider seeking financial assistance or scholarships available through your college or other organizations. Exploring these options can provide some relief during challenging times.
  

As a student, navigating through fuel increment crises can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By embracing practical and sustainable strategies, you can cope with rising fuel prices effectively. Stay resilient, stay informed, and remember that small adjustments in your lifestyle can lead to significant savings in the long run.