Lagos has always been a city of hustle. From side hustles to last-mile transport hacks, Lagosians will find a way — especially when fuel prices threaten to ground everyday movement. But in recent months, what drivers are doing to stretch every drop of petrol has gone from clever to downright wild.

1. The “Turn-Off-and-Glide” Technique

Imagine you’re in traffic and the car in front of you moves. Instead of revving up, the driver beside you turns off his ignition and push-glides forward with momentum.

Yes — this is actually happening.

Known among danfo drivers and bolt guys as the “roll-and-coast” or “silent crawl,” this technique is becoming increasingly common. Drivers switch off their engines on downward slopes or during short halts in traffic just to save a little extra fuel. While this may seem smart, it can damage power steering or braking systems if done too often.

2. Converting Cars to LPG (Cooking Gas)

Petrol is expensive, but cooking gas is still somewhat affordable. So, some clever motorists have taken to converting their petrol engines to run on LPG.

There are underground mechanics in Lagos who now offer this service — charging anywhere from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000. While LPG can reduce running costs, the safety of these conversions is still questionable, especially with our road and tank standards.

Still, for drivers who’ve made the switch, it’s reportedly cutting their fuel costs by 30–40%.

3. Apps & Hacks for Cheaper Stations

There’s now an unofficial WhatsApp and Telegram group where Lagos drivers share real-time updates on where to find fuel for less. “AP Mowe is ₦580 today. Avoid Mobil Festac – ₦660,” one message read last week.

From Ikorodu to Ikeja, drivers now rely on social updates and group tips before deciding where to refill. Some even drive across bridges just to save ₦20 per litre — which may defeat the purpose but shows just how serious the situation has become.

4. The Fuel Additive Craze

Every auto part shop now sells “super fuel boosters” or “fuel savers” promising to make your petrol last longer. While some drivers swear by them, experts say most are just overpriced detergents or alcohol-based formulas with no real benefit.

Regardless, people are buying. Some say they feel the difference. Placebo or not, it’s just another example of how far Nigerians will go to stay on the road.

5. Carpooling Is Making a Comeback

Remember when carpooling was a thing only corpers or uni students did? Not anymore. Office workers and remote workers alike are now forming daily “transport crews” to cut down on costs.

It’s a return to the days when friendships were formed through shared struggles — like 6 a.m. road trips from the mainland to Victoria Island in one Keke-friendly Toyota Corolla.

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The Hustle Continues…

If there’s one thing that remains true, it’s this: Nigerians will always find a way.

From roll-gliders to LPG switchers and Telegram fuel scouts, the average Lagos driver isn’t just surviving — they’re adapting in real time to a fuel economy that keeps testing their limits.

Got a weird or smart fuel-saving story from your side of Lagos, Abuja, or beyond? Drop it in the comments. We might just feature you in our next gist post.