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| Queue at a fuel station ⛽️ |
The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly called petrol, has continued to increase across states, reaching as high as ₦1,500 per litre in Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba, and Zamfara. Prices have also risen sharply in other parts of the country.
This surge prompted the Nigeria Labour Congress to call on the Federal Government to swiftly implement measures to mitigate the impact of rising petrol costs, including fair wage increases for workers and selling crude oil to local refineries in naira.
The NLC, in a statement signed by President Joe Ajaero on Wednesday, reported that petrol now costs about ₦1,430 per litre in major cities, with prices possibly higher in less accessible areas.
The labor organization warned that escalating petrol costs would worsen economic hardships for Nigerians, noting that increases in transportation often lead to higher food, rent, school fees, and other essential expenses.
Fuel marketers joined the NLC in urging the government to intervene, warning prices could reach ₦2,000 per litre if international crude oil prices continue to climb. Stakeholders also pressed the government to curb the growing influence of Dangote Petroleum Refinery in the market.
Prices across states
The nationwide rise in petrol prices continues, with ₦1,500 per litre reported in many states. In Yobe State, residents noted that petrol was selling for between ₦1,500 and ₦1,520 at some stations in Damaturu.
A Damaturu resident, Hassan Auwalu, said he currently pays ₦1,500 per litre. “I am currently purchasing petrol at ₦1,500 per litre. This is unprecedented, and the increase is making things more difficult for ordinary residents,” he said.
Similarly, a tricycle rider in the city, Musa Ibrahim, said he pays about ₦1,500 at some NNPC stations.
A civil servant, Lawan Garba, added that some stations are selling petrol even higher—₦1,520 per litre.
In Kano, petrol ranges from ₦1,460 to ₦1,500 at most stations. The price hike has caused some vehicle owners to park their cars, and commercial tricycle operators, known locally as “yan’ adaidaita sahu,” have raised fares by about 50%, depending on distance.
They now charge ₦300 for short distances instead of ₦200, and ₦500 to ₦700 for longer trips.
In Sokoto, prices range from ₦1,465 to ₦1,500 per litre, up from ₦1,365 previously. Major stations like AA Rano, Shafa, and Total now sell at ₦1,465, with some outlets charging ₦1,470 to ₦1,500.
In Borno, petrol sells for ₦1,500 in Maiduguri. Motorist Ishaku Curutsi confirmed buying from Matrix station at that price.
Taraba prices have risen to ₦1,500, with reports of prices between ₦1,500 and ₦1,700, which is expected to increase transportation costs.
In Zamfara, petrol sells for ₦1,500 in Gusau, up from ₦1,350. Motorists report paying ₦1,450 to ₦1,500 at various stations.
In Kaduna, prices reach ₦1,450 at some stations, with NNPC Mega stations selling for ₦1,439. Transportation costs are climbing, impacting household budgets.
In Benue, ₦1,430 to ₦1,470 is typical, with some stations like Prime Power selling at ₦1,470.
Jigawa State stations charge ₦1,460 to ₦1,480, while black-market sales can top ₦2,000.
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In Kogi, retailers have adjusted prices, with stations like Mobil and NNPC selling between ₦1,400 and ₦1,450.
Jos, Plateau State, stations sell between ₦1,450 and ₦1,470, significantly affecting daily commuters.
Bauchi's prices average ₦1,460, and in Adamawa, prices range from ₦1,400 to ₦1,850, especially in Mubi.
In Rivers State, Port Harcourt stations are selling at ₦1,400, with some like Rumuodomaya doing ₦1,385.
In Abia, prices vary from ₦1,350 to ₦1,440, with some stations like Umuahia's ₦1,350.
In Delta, ₦1,350 to ₦1,410 is common, impacting transportation expenses.
Yenagoa's petrol is about ₦1,400 per litre, with many residents queuing or searching for cheaper options.
In Ekiti, prices range from ₦1,380 to ₦1,450. Stations like AP and J.J. Roberts have different rates.
In Edo, prices hover between ₦1,395 and ₦1,425, with some on the outskirts reaching ₦1,422.
Kwara stations sell between ₦1,379 and ₦1,405.
The NLC issued a statement titled “Save the Situation Now,” highlighting that recent oil market shocks, especially conflicts in the Gulf, have driven prices up despite Nigeria’s resource endowment.
It urged immediate government actions like fair wages, selling crude in naira, and expanding storage capacity to protect energy security and prepare for crises.
The union emphasized that government subsidies could be justified in emergencies but cautioned against the continued importation of crude by local refineries, which contradicts efforts to build domestic capacity.
The price hikes follow Nigeria’s shift to a deregulated downstream sector after removing fuel subsidies in May 2023, exposing domestic prices to international market fluctuations.
Efforts include increasing local refining capacity and rehabilitating government refineries for greater self-sufficiency.
However, global crude prices, exchange rates, and logistics costs continue to influence pump prices and transportation expenses, affecting household budgets and inflation.
The NLC called on the government to act quickly rather than leave the burden on consumers, especially with the upcoming re-election season.
Ajaero stated that the government cannot afford to let marketers cause suffering in the name of deregulation.
Fuel marketers, including the Dangote refinery, have warned that prices could rise to ₦2,000 if crude prices continue to climb.
Dangote recently increased its petrol from ₦1,265 to ₦1,350, with multiple upward adjustments over the past weeks. Checks showed different prices from other stations, with ₦1,395 at one station in Lagos.
Industry experts like Ukadike urged government intervention, including refining crude domestically at a fixed rate for 90 days to stabilize supply and prices.
He warned that ongoing political conflicts could drive crude prices higher, potentially pushing petrol prices to ₦2,000.
The impact of international crude prices and exchange rate fluctuations remains a significant concern, with calls for Nigeria to stabilize its currency and manage fuel pricing strategically.
Some analysts see the monopoly of private refiners and underfunded public refineries as problematic, advocating for revitalization of state assets and controlling market dominance.
The government’s support for private refineries like Dangote’s has been criticized for reducing competition and over-concentrating market power.
Overall, Nigeria faces mounting pressure from rising crude oil prices, currency issues, and market manipulation, which threaten affordable fuel access for ordinary citizens.
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