Joseph Akinlaja, former Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has stated that fuel prices would decrease if the federal government addresses manipulators within the sector.
Speaking to journalists in Ondo town, Akinlaja cautioned Nigerians not to expect a significant drop in fuel prices, even with the commencement of sales from the Dangote refinery.
He attributed the current fuel situation in the country to stakeholders exploiting the opportunity for personal financial gain.
He said: “The current situation with fuel in the country is a result of mismanagement of our system. It is a shame that we have crude oil and we cannot refine it.
“There is no way you can control what you import because of foreign exchange and the rates which include the cost of transportation
“The way we have floated our naira makes it hard. It is something that got spoilt a long time ago including leadership failure. In other countries without crude oil, they buy fuel at a relatively cheaper rate because of the way they arrange themselves.
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“People look for free money in high places. The hardship is uncalled for and unnecessary. The price of fuel will not reduce significantly with the coming of the Dangote refinery but it will come down a little if manipulators within the system can be dealt with by the government.
“The face-off between the NNPCL and Dangote refinery will soon go off. Everybody is trying to take advantage to make money for themselves. I am positive they will resolve the issues.”