NLC demands s urgent action as Petrol hits N1,500/Litre

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene as petrol prices surge nationwide, reaching as high as N1,500 per litre in several states.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said petrol now sells for about N1,430 per litre in major cities, with higher prices recorded in less accessible areas. He warned that rising fuel costs would further increase transportation fares and the prices of food, rent, school fees and other essential goods and services.

The labour union called for reasonable wage awards for workers, increased crude oil supply to local refineries in naira and expansion of national petroleum storage capacity. It also said emergency government intervention, including subsidies, should not be ruled out to protect citizens from the impact of the crisis.

Fuel marketers also urged government action, warning that petrol could rise to N2,000 per litre if international crude oil prices continue to increase and the naira weakens.

The latest price increases followed another adjustment by the Dangote Refinery, which raised its petrol gantry price from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre on September 12. This was its fourth increase since August 21.
Across the country, petrol prices varied widely, with reports of N1,500 in Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba and Zamfara, while prices in states including Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa, Rivers, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Edo and Kwara also increased

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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria called for crude oil to be supplied to domestic refineries at more stable prices for periods of 60 to 90 days, alongside possible reductions in taxes and other charges to cushion consumers.

The NLC also raised concerns about the growing dominance of Dangote Refinery in the domestic market and called for the rehabilitation of government-owned refineries to increase competition and supply.