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Tag: fuel

  • Another fuel spasm?

    Another fuel spasm?

    • Nigerians deserve to know all that is going on

    With petrol prices hovering around the N1,000 per litre mark across major cities in the country in the past week, the twin ghosts of high fuel prices and its concomitant of instability, once assumed to have been slain, would seem far from interred. In the Lagos area, Nigerians woke up Monday last week to find that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, (petrol), sold a day before at N850 per litre had jumped to N950.

    At Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets in Ogun and Lagos, it sold for N928, up from the previous N870.  In Sokoto, parts of Edo, Rivers, Oyo and Gombe states, prices ranged from N900 to N1,000 per litre, amid reports of long queues and panic buying.

    As would be expected, it has been a babel of voices ever since. NNPCL spokesperson, Andy Odeh, said the company adjusted its pump prices like every other retail outlet because the depots increased their gantry rates.

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) president, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, on his part claimed that it was members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) that hiked fuel prices, following the no-loading situation at the 650,000-capacity Dangote Refinery.

    IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, would add the bit that the refinery had only recently slowed loading operations due to internal reorganisation and labour-related disruptions.

    Most significantly, there have been no suggestions about the matter being anything but local and contrived; nothing about the usual stuff – rising crude prices in the global market, but rather a case of players’ actions and inactions precipitating instability in domestic fuel prices!

    Still, there is a lot happening in the industry that has remained unknown – or perhaps at this time unknowable – by Nigerians. One of them is the latest data suggesting that imported petrol actually accounted for 72.64 per cent of total consumption in the last nine months. The data, drawn from the records of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) showed the country as consuming 12.5 billion litres of petrol between October 2024 and July 2025, of which 9.08 billion litres were imported, with the balance of 3.5 billion litres sourced from the Dangote Refinery.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts two diverted fuel tankers in Sokoto 

    In October 2024, Nigeria was said to have imported 40.43 million litres per day, that is, 1.253 billion litres that month, while Dangote Refinery supplied only 7.09 million litres, a mere 14.9 per cent of the total. In January, the import component came down to 56.3 per cent, with Dangote supplying 592.1 million litres, said to be its best performance so far. February and March are said to have maintained similar trends, with local supply hovering near 45 per cent.

    In May, domestic supply again fell sharply to 472 million litres, leaving importers to cover nearly 72 per cent of demand. In July, Dangote Refinery could only meet 31.5 per cent of the nation’s needs.

    Yet, the story all this while is that Dangote Refinery has more than enough capacity to supply the nation’s fuel needs. This is a refinery whose officials only in June were on record as saying that it shipped some 90,000 metric tons of gasoline to Asia, the first petrol export outside of West Africa. That these figures, taken together, are simply not adding up is putting things mildly. In fact, there are grounds to suggest that Nigerians are not being told the whole truth about what is going on.

    Nigerians surely deserve to know what is going on. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in particular – owes Nigerians a lot of explanation. So does Dangote Refinery – an entity that the country has given so much in fiscal support and patronage.

    Heaping all of the blame on DAPPMAN and other players in the fuel import segment as many are tempted to do won’t cut; not this time when the refinery– based on available public records – is known to have supplied only a fraction of the nation’s fuel needs.  

  • FG clarifies position on 5% fuel surcharge

    FG clarifies position on 5% fuel surcharge

    …says no immediate plans for implementation

    …govt will not increase burden on the citizens -Edun

    The federal government has dismissed concerns over the imposition of a 5 per cent surcharge on fuel, assuring Nigerians that no such measure is currently under consideration.

    Addressing journalists on the development on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the government is fully aware of the economic challenges citizens are facing and will not take decisions that would further increase the burden.

    “We will not worsen the burden on Nigerians,” Edun declared. “And as of today, no order has been issued, none is being prepared, and there is no plan, no immediate plan to implement any surcharge.”

    The Minister explained that the inclusion of the surcharge in the recently enacted Nigeria Tax Administration Act does not translate into an automatic introduction of new levies. According to him, a formal process must be followed before such a measure can take effect.

    “There’s even a process before any surcharge can come into effect. It requires a commencement order from the Honourable Minister of Finance. And this indeed must be published in a gazette,” Edun explained.

    He stressed that the enactment of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act in June marked a milestone in Nigeria’s tax reform journey, but insisted that this did not mean citizens would wake up in January 2025 to new taxes.

    “So it’s not automatic that we wake up on January 1 and there’s a new tax and it’s going to be levied. No. There’s a whole formal process involved. And as of today, no order has been issued, none is being prepared, and there is no plan, no immediate plan to implement any surcharge,” he said.

    Edun described the legislation as “Nigeria’s most comprehensive tax reform in decades,” noting that it consolidates multiple tax laws into a single framework, eliminates overlapping taxes and charges, and simplifies compliance for individuals and businesses.

    According to him, the reforms are designed to strengthen tax governance, block revenue leakages, and improve efficiency rather than introduce new charges. 

    “Our priority is to strengthen tax governance, block revenue leakages, improve efficiency, rather than just levy new taxes, charges, and costs,” he stated.

    Read Also: Fuel scarcity fears trigger long queues at filling stations in Akure

    The Minister pointed out that the reform package—comprising four bills, namely the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Service Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Bill—was the result of two years of consultations, negotiations, and technical work.

    “The Nigerian Tax Act is a transformational legal document, is the way I would put it. And the process of effective implementation requires preparation, which is now ongoing,” Edun noted.

    He further explained that successful implementation will involve institutional realignments, capacity development, public consultation, and sensitization. “This shows that the reforms are deliberate, evidence-driven, and phased, built on consultation and research,” he added.

    Edun assured that ahead of the full rollout of the new tax laws, the government will embark on public enlightenment campaigns to ensure citizens and businesses clearly understand their obligations.

    “Ahead of the full implementation of the new tax laws, there will be publicity, sensitization, education, and information. With all policies, once the policy is passed into law, the next step is implementation—robust, careful, and effective implementation, timing, and sequencing of the various activities,” he said.

    He concluded by stating that the Ministry of Finance, working with other stakeholders, will ensure the reforms support the government’s broader vision of building “an inclusive, strong, and growing economy” where the private sector can thrive, create jobs, and drive productivity.

  • Fuel scarcity fears trigger long queues at filling stations in Akure

    Fuel scarcity fears trigger long queues at filling stations in Akure

    Motorists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday formed long queues at filling stations amid growing fears of a fresh scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    The situation worsened as several oil marketers with available stock shut their stations, sparking panic buying across major parts of the city and surrounding areas.

    The development follows a threat by tanker drivers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to halt fuel loading over a dispute with the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

    At the centre of the disagreement is the refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct distribution of fuel to retailers, a move tanker drivers say threatens their operations.

    Marketers had earlier warned of a nationwide withdrawal of services from Tuesday, September 9, 2025, if the federal government failed to intervene.

    In Akure, The Nation correspondent observed heavy gridlock along Oba Adesida Road, where motorists queued at the few dispensing stations. 

    The NNPC outlet in the Shagari Village area witnessed massive crowds and traffic congestion, while other stations such as Optima and MRS locked their gates against desperate buyers.

    Major outlets at Oke Aro, Oke Ijebu, Oba Ile, Ilesha Garage, Shagari/Expressroad, and Lafe areas of Akure also shut down operation.   

    At the Bovas filling station on Oke Ijebu Road, customers were turned back as attendants closed the entrance.

    Read Also: 5% fuel surcharge: Myths, facts, and how it helps our transport infrastructure

    Some motorists attributed the rush to panic buying. A commercial driver, who identified himself simply as Tayo, said:

    “I rushed down to buy fuel because I heard there will be scarcity starting from today. You can see how people are rushing to get the product.”

    The ripple effect of the scarcity was already being felt as commercial drivers have hiked transport fares.

    A passenger, Mrs. Grace Abimbola lamented the increase, “A drop that normally costs ₦200 was charged at ₦250 today because of the scarcity.”

    One of the sales attendants in the filling stations, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, told the Nation that, “We were told not to sell fuel today by our boss. Although, we still have some in stock but were only acting under instructions.” 

    With filling stations locked and queues mounting, residents fear the fuel crisis may deepen if the standoff between NUPENG and the Dangote Refinery persists.

  • How I got fuel from trees, by inventor

    How I got fuel from trees, by inventor

    Can fuel be derived from trees? Yes, it can, says a youngster, who claimed to have developed eco-friendly and affordable fuel from trees.

       George Taigbenu, who describes himself as an inventor, said the fuel could sell for N400 compared  to the over N800 per litre price prevailing in filling stations across the country.

     Taigbenu, who runs an energy firm, said his product would provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to the fossil fuel commonly used in the country.

        Taigbenu said his invention was motivated by his desire to make Nigeria self-sufficient in fuel production, as well as address the growing threat of climate change.

    Read Also: Adeleke commends Tinubu, Ribadu for busting terror cells in Osun

    “The greatest motivation I had to invent fuel from trees was to reduce our dependence on imported petroleum products and make Nigeria self-sufficient in fuel production,” he said.

       His fuel, he claimed, cleans engines and produces no black soot, unlike conventional fossil fuels which pollute the atmosphere and damage the environment.

      “The fuel I invented also cleans the engine. There is also no black soot that comes out of my fuel, unlike fossil fuels, which when being used, emit soot that destroys the environment,” he said.

      Taigbenu said his product had been certified by some researchers, who he claimed confirmed its safety and efficiency.

      He said the fuel could power vehicles, generators and even planes, making it a substitute for traditional energy sources.

    “The fuel product I invented has been certified by the Nigerian Research Institute in Abuja. Vehicles, generators and aircraft can also use the fuel I produced.”

      Taigbenu said the product was commercially viable and could be sold at a lower price than fossil fuels.

      “Yes, it is possible now to sell the fuel I produced for N400 and still make good profits for investors and Taigbenu Oil and Gas Limited,” he stated.

       He claimed that investors had already begun reaching out to him, adding that his company would enter the market in the near future.

      His company, Taigbenu said, would also produce cooking gas to address the rising cost of the product in the market.

  • Nigeria’s roads and economy need more than one fuel giant

    Nigeria’s roads and economy need more than one fuel giant

    By Michael Ogunyemi

    Lagos during rush hour is a symphony of chaos. In areas where bikes are not outlawed yet, okadas weave through gridlocked trucks, hawkers have their movements choreographed, darting between idling cars, and in the background, the hum of engines blends with the shouts of drivers trying to negotiate nonexistent lanes.

    Lagos–and Nigeria–is messy, relentless and oddly beautiful, a testament to a country that is constantly moving, even during a standstill.

    But underneath this chaos is a fragile truth: Nigeria’s entire economy relies on the veins of its transportation sector. Those veins require more than a single source of lifeblood.

    I need to begin with a confession: I was not a fan of Nigeria’s perennial petrol queues. When I used to travel almost religiously between Lagos and Abuja by road, I used to see trucks carrying goods just standing idle at petrol stations.

    Yet, in those moments, I would marvel at the resilience of Nigeria and its transportation ecosystem.

    The transport networks made of trucks, buses and even Lagos’ okadas were kept running by a patchwork of importers, marketers and distributors. This was diversity as the backbone of an industry employing millions of Nigerians.

    Jobs, jobs and more jobs

    One import licence creates so many jobs. When petrol arrives at the Apapa port, it is not just filling up tanks, it is sustaining truckers, customs agents and port workers.

    A marketer in Lagos or Port Harcourt could source petrol from Europe or the Middle East, creating jobs for logistics coordinators, accountants and mechanics, among others.

    The jobs and economic activity they generate in Nigeria exist because market players compete and need to innovate. In a market as delicate as the petrol industry in an already testy Nigeria, “flexibility is survival.”

    When petrol prices spike abroad, independent marketers have the choice to lean on local stocks when pipelines are vandalised, or global prices reduce, marketers are able to pivot.

    Nigeria’s deregulated petrol market in theory is supposed to encourage diversity and this ecosystem.

    But if imports vanish, energy security for Nigeria becomes a guessing game and limits players to gambling on a single supplier’s pricing and reliability.

    We have seen how a single provider’s depot in Apapa faced delays and like clockwork, petrol station queues appeared and stretched for miles.

    At our worst, we have had drivers sleep in queues in and around petrol stations and transport fares double overnight. Now, scale this risk nationwide without market plurality to plug that hole?

    The logistics lifeline

    Proponents of a single supplier argue against multiplicity. “Why do we need to import when we can produce locally?” Nigeria’s transport sector, on the demand and supply side, thrives on options.

    I spoke to a fleet owner in Kano last year. His trucks haul everything from rice to cement. But 40% of his revenues, which sometimes subsidise his other operations, come from petrol distribution.

    “If I can’t source fuel from whoever I want, I will lose my market power,” he told me. “If it is one company, my profit will disappear.”

    His worry is not abstract. When petrol imports were restricted, his operating costs rose. More than half of his fleet was forced to be parked. Not only was his business affected, but adjacent businesses operating in and supporting his industry, from mechanics to cleaners and roadside food vendors, felt the effect of the import restriction. Import diversity offers more than price stabilisation.

    Read Also: NMDPRA: Trump’s tariffs fuelling oil market volatility

    Thanks to market liberalisation, smaller-scale importers and marketers are able to experiment with localised solutions and business agreements to reach underserved areas that might be unprofitable for larger market players.

    These experiments and tweaks might look minor, but they offer incremental adaptability to a sector that needs to be resilient.

    A monopoly would standardise the entire process, and in Nigeria, especially as uneven as it is, it would mean exclusion.

    Uniformity always comes at a cost

    A few weeks ago, I met a truck driver named Abidemi at a petrol station in Lagos. He had been waiting for a tanker. “Before, there were many options. Now, my supplier has the same supplier as everybody, and we are getting delays.”

    Those words stuck with me. This goes beyond economics. The tanker delay meant Abidemi’s time wasn’t valued.

    Worse, if he’s unable to enjoy duplicity in the market, he is unable to bargain, and this will turn him into a cog in the machine that is dependent on the same entity for his survival.

    But Abidemi is an important node in a vast network. His breakdown meant he could not return to Jos from Mile 2 to get another shipment of groceries from the farm.

    Just like Abidemi, thousands of Nigerians are employed in transportation and logistics. These jobs depend on a pluralistic and bustling market. If the sector is consolidated, the opportunities shrink, and entire livelihoods will be erased.

    A path forward

    There is no viable solution that works without the coming together of all of the players in the supply chain, from the local refiners to the importers. All the players must be empowered.

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) must maintain its ability to grant licences and continue to do so. A truly deregulated market means more players are looking for a piece of the pie.

    The profits from competition can fix more Nigerian roads and ports.

    Also, a route to maintaining Nigeria’s deregulation is the enforcement of antitrust measures to prevent predatory pricing. But perhaps most importantly, Nigeria must stop conflating “big” with “better”.

    Nigeria and its history are littered with monopolies that were disguised as “national champions.”

    As I left Abidemi at the petrol station, he pointed to the line of trucks like his, just waiting. “This is our problem. We like the one big thing that will fix everything. But Nigeria is not one big thing. There are many.”

    And, Abidemi is right. The road to energy security is crowded, noisy and slow. But it is ours. We need to keep it open to everybody.

    •Ogunyemi is a renowned economic analyst based in Lagos

     

  • ‘Why fuel smuggling is declining’

    ‘Why fuel smuggling is declining’

    Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Kehinde Ejibunu, has attributed a decline in fuel smuggling across Nigeria to intensified enforcement operations by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

    Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Ejibunu detailed the agency’s efforts under Operation Whirlwind, a specialised anti-smuggling task force combating illegal petroleum exports. 

    “There’s been a significant reduction in fuel smuggling,” Ejibunu stated. “This is due to our operational clampdowns on fuel stations, tankers, and transporters involved in these illicit activities.” 

    Ejibunu revealed that smugglers are adopting more sophisticated methods to evade detection, including filling jerrycans in remote bush locations rather than directly at filling stations.

     “We rely heavily on intelligence to intercept these activities. Most of our recent seizures were made at flashpoints such as Ilaro, Badagry, and Oja Agbe,” he explained. 

    Despite recent successes, Ejibunu noted that no arrests were made in the latest operations, as smugglers abandoned their cargo before detection.

    Read Also: Ali: NNPC, DPR aid fuel smuggling

     “They hide jerrycans filled with fuel in the bush and later transport them across borders using nearby vehicles,” he added. 

    When comparing smuggling activities in the north and south of Nigeria, Ejibunu acknowledged a higher prevalence in northern regions but emphasized a nationwide decline. He attributed this to the elimination of fuel subsidies, which has narrowed the price differential between Nigeria and neighboring countries. 

     “In Adamawa, we’ve handed over 16 tankers to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). In Lagos, we’ve sealed up to 10 filling stations involved in smuggling,” Ejibunu disclosed. 

    Ejibunu underscored the broader economic implications of fuel smuggling, calling it a threat to Nigeria’s balance of trade and economic planning.

     “Fuel smuggling undermines our economy. With fuel readily available nationwide, there’s no justification for these activities,” he said. 

    The Customs chief urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against economic saboteurs and praised the Federal Government for ensuring steady fuel availability.

     “We must protect our economic data and trade records to safeguard Nigeria’s growth,” he concluded.

  • Fuel to sell at N935 per litre from today, says IPMAN

    Fuel to sell at N935 per litre from today, says IPMAN

    Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has said the price of petrol will drop to N935 per litre from today followng Dangote Refinery’s new arrangement.

    It said the new price was necessitated by reduction in Dangote’s fuel ex-depot price and uniform arrangement, which would enable marketers to sell at N935.

    Read Also: Troops seize 130,000 litres of stolen products, destroy 37 illegal refineries

    National President, Alhaji Garima, who told News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Abuja, hailed Dangote Refinery for the development.

    NAN reports Dangote Refinery announced a reduction in fuel price by 7.27 per cent from N970 per litre to N899.50 per litre at its loading gantry and provided credit terms to marketers.

  • Energy consortium to launch jet fuel depot

    Energy consortium to launch jet fuel depot

    A storage facility to serve aviation industry will be launched next week. The Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), off Murtala Muhammed International Airport road, Lagos, will be the largest airside jet fuel depot.

    JUHI-2 is a joint venture between Eterna, Masters Energy, Techno Oil, Quest Oil, Rahamaniyya, Ibafon Oil, and First Deep Water. It spans 46,000 square meters with a capacity of 15 million litres of Jet A1.

     Group Managing Director of Masters Energy and Chairperson of JUHI-2 Board, Mrs. Patience Dappa, noted that its modern design includes latest filtration systems; capacity to load four bowsers simultaneously; jet fuel discharge system with four dedicated trucks; modern laboratory and state-of-the-art fire prevention.

    Read Also: Controversial requirement for women on visa clearance dropped, says NDLEA

    Dappa said the depot will serve as a storage and supply hub for jet fuel, ensuring steady supply to Murtala Muhammed International Airport and nearby airbases.

     Managing Director of Eterna and Chair of JUHI-2 Committee, Abiola Lawal, said the facility will support aviation operations; domestic, international, cargo, hajj, business jets and other flights.

    “This state-of-the-art depot will significantly enhance aviation operations, meeting the fuel demands of a wide range of flight activities,” he enthused, adding that the depot’s advanced operational support facilities position it as the best of its kind in Nigeria.

    Lawal noted that JUHI-2’s strategic location will enable efficient fuel distribution and logistics management, ensuring rapid response times and supporting mission planning. “The facility will create jobs , boost local economy, and contribute to development of the airport area,” he said.

  • Which Way Forward for Nigeria’s Fuel Shortage and Price Hike?

    Which Way Forward for Nigeria’s Fuel Shortage and Price Hike?

    Despite being one of the leading oil producers, Nigeria faces regular fuel shortages that have a clipping effect on the economy. This is because it relies on petroleum products that are imported by the state-owned oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Currently, the country has very little refining capacity and must bring in finished products for consumption in the country.

    The NNPC has petrol stations across the country. While they sell petroleum products at the cheapest prices, they are not able to cover all the areas and private petrol stations take up the rest of the market. When NNPC raises its fuel prices, the private supplies also do the same. Since they have a substantial hold of the marketplace, their price hike is felt across the board.

    Supply is also a Problem

    Pricing is not the only headache plaguing the petroleum sector in the country. NNPC is said to be deep in debt, such that it is unable to sustain supply of the fuel. In a recent press release, the corporation acknowledged reports by local newspapers that said that it had significant debt to petrol suppliers. It said that this had placed a financial strain on its ability to get fuel reliably. This situation was complicated by the raising global oil prices.

    The acknowledgement seems quite strange, as the company initially made a public denial of the debt and even posted a record N3.3 trillion net profit for the year ending July. With admission, the mess and resulting gridlock are not likely to get sorted out any time soon. This has affected the means of transport across the countries, with fewer buses and vehicles on the road. Many people who do not need to go out can engage in real money casino sites, such as those listed by NZCasinoClub, from the comfort of their homes.

    Fuel Prices are Skyrocketing

    There have been long lines across the country as motorists look for fuel. Many petrol stations across Kaduna, Kano, and Oyo have been selling this commodity for as much as 1,200 Naira a litre. Many others have run out of fuel and shut, while others remain closed as they adjust their prices. On the other hand, roadside sellers, who buy petrol from stations and sell it in jerry cans at higher prices, are having some brisk trade in Kano, where traffic is much less.

    If there is no immediate intervention from the government, these prices are likely to go even higher, with devastating effects on people’s livelihoods. Fuel is used extensively in the country for power generation, as the national grid is usually unreliable. Most people have to supplement their power supply with private generators, which are costly to run.

    Trade Unions are Up in Arms

    A statement released by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stated that the trade union felt betrayed by the government because of the price hike. It went further to state that the reason it accepted the government’s minimum wage of 70,000 Naira (about $44) early in July is because the government had committed not to increase the pump prices in the near future.

    The body retaliated that it would be looking for ways to pressure the government into alleviating the suffering of workers. Other trade unions are expected to speak up in light of the current developments.

    The Removal of Subsidies Shook the Industry

    When the new president Bola Tinubu came to power, he shocked the country by removing the wildly popular fuel subsidy. This came as a surprise due to the political risks associated with the removal of subsidies. It has been in place since the 1970s, when the government used to sell fuel below cost. There have been regulations since then to cushion the public from the effects of inflation and control fuel prices.

    These subsidies have been controversial in Nigeria, as many people see them as a pathway for graft and misappropriation of funds. Nigeria is also one of the countries with the least number of vehicles per capita, at just 50 vehicles per 1,000 citizens (0.06 vehicles per person as of 2018). Many urge the high expenditure (which stood at about US$10 billion in 2022) is not sustainable. However, the masses believe that it helps keep the prices down.

    What is the Way Forward?

    There are a number of options that have been proposed to get the country from the fuel crisis. First, analysts suggest that the administration should consider opening up the import market to other suppliers to take off pressure from NNPC. This may have political repercussions but can keep supply lines open.

    Second, Nigerians are betting on the newly opened Dangote Petroleum Refinery to come to their rescue. The privately owned refinery seeks to buy crude oil from the country and supply refined products to state and private suppliers. The refinery started operating early in September, and it is not clear how long it will take before it starts producing petroleum products.

    Third, many people have been calling for the overhaul of the energy sector administration as they believe inefficiencies, runaway corruption and incompetence are to blame for the predicament that has befallen the country. They claim that it has been unable to solve the power crisis and that the country is moving deeper into a fuel mess.

  • Fuel: Lagos residents decry transport fare increase

    Fuel: Lagos residents decry transport fare increase

    Some Lagos residents on Wednesday decried increase in transport fares due to increase in the pump price of petrol by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  NNPCL, on Tuesday, increased the pump price of petrol, also known as Premium Motor Spirit, from N568 to N855 at its outlets.

    Some Lagos residents, who spoke to NAN on Wednesday, described the current fuel situation  in Nigeria as biting, saying that it had affected transport.

    A businesswoman, Mrs Beatrice Okonkwo, said that the increase had become frustrating to low income earners.

    “Today, I stepped out to get to my child’s school, and I noticed an increase in transport fare.

    “From Gate to Cele Bus Stop, which used to be N200, is now N300, and from Ijesha to Yaba, which was N200 by tricycle, is now N400.

    “Drivers are even saying they would further increase the fares to be able to recoup money they spent on fueling,” she said.

    She appealed to the Federal Government  to do more to alleviate the sufferings of the citizens.

    A civil servant, who wants to be identified simply as Modinot, urged  the government to address the fuel situation urgently.

    Read Also: PDP rejects hike in fuel price

    According to Modinot, transport fare from Ipaja to Costain through Oshodi increased from N1,000 to N1,700 on Wednesday.

    Modinot regretted that workers were facing the increase although they had yet to be paid the new minimum wage.

    “Government should listen to our cries,” Modinot said.

    A banker, Mrs Tope Okunola,  told NAN that commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists also increased their charges.

    She said that commuters had always sufferred from any increase in petrol price.

    “We are not finding it funny at all. Before, in my area, Festac Town, I paid N200 to the next  junction, but today it cost N300.

    “As transport fare goes up, so will food stuffs prices in the markets.

    “The ordinary person cannot eat again.

    “Government should really address the situation fast,” she said.

    (NAN)