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Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October

Copyright (c) 2025 Victor Ijirshar, Ukamaka Chidozie

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Impact of Fuel Price Hikes on the Economic Sustainability of Msmes in Benue State: The Moderating Role of Energy-Efficient Technology

https://doi.org/10.62810/jssh.v2i4.136
Victor Ijirshar
Department of Economics, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Ukamaka Chidozie
Department of Economics, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria

Corresponding Author(s) : Victor Ijirshar

ijirsharvictor@gmail.com

Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October

Abstract

This study examines the impact of fuel price hikes on the economic sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Benue State, Nigeria, and assesses the moderating role of energy-efficient technologies. Conducted across the three senatorial districts of Benue State, the study utilized a survey research design with a sample of 400 MSME owners and operators, and data collected through structured questionnaires. For data analysis, the study employed descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to explore relationships among variables and test the proposed hypotheses. The findings reveal that fuel price hikes have a significant negative effect on the economic sustainability of MSMEs. Furthermore, energy-efficient technologies were found to positively influence MSME sustainability. However, these technologies did not significantly moderate the negative impact of fuel price hikes. Based on these findings, several policy recommendations were proposed: the establishment of a Fuel Cost Stabilization Fund for MSMEs by the Federal Government; the launch of a State-Level Energy Efficiency Initiative in Benue State; the development of green finance products for MSMEs by financial institutions; the enhancement of technical and managerial capacity among MSMEs for effective technology adoption; and the promotion of context-specific energy innovation through university-industry partnerships.

Keywords

Economic Sustainability Energy-Efficient Technolog Fuel Price Hikes MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
Ijirshar, V., & Chidozie, P. (2025). Impact of Fuel Price Hikes on the Economic Sustainability of Msmes in Benue State: The Moderating Role of Energy-Efficient Technology. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(4), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.62810/jssh.v2i4.136
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Author biographies is not available.
Received 2025-07-09
Accepted 2025-10-25
Published 2025-10-31
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