Motorists and commuters have expressed concern over rising petrol prices, with some filling stations selling above N1,400 per litre.
The increase followed an N85 rise in Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s gantry price, from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre, amid rising global crude oil prices. Brent crude traded at 108.60 dollars per barrel on Thursday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at 105.90 dollars.
Checks showed that MRS sold petrol at N1,395 per litre, Salbas and AY Shafa at N1,430, Energy Empire at N1,445 and Afdin at N1,450.
Motorists and commuters said the increase had raised transportation costs and made it harder to afford basic needs. A commuter, Doris Atere, said rising fares were making it difficult to earn a living, while another, James Adewale, said transport from Kubwa to Wuse now costs N1,300.
Public affairs analyst Jide Ojo said petrol prices in some neighbouring countries, including Cameroon and Benin Republic, ranged from N1,000 to N2,000 per litre. However, he cautioned against using those prices to justify domestic increases without considering Nigerians’ income levels.
“You can not be earning a minimum wage of N70,000 and spending N1,450 or N1,500 to buy a litre of fuel,” he said.
Ojo also questioned access to compressed natural gas (CNG), citing limited refuelling infrastructure and the cost of converting vehicles. He called for measures to cushion consumers, improve domestic crude supply and refining capacity, expand CNG infrastructure and promote competition in the downstream market.
Dangote Industries President Aliko Dangote attributed high petrol prices partly to smuggling into neighbouring countries, where he said fuel could cost 30 to 50 per cent more than in Nigeria. He said the price difference encouraged traders to move petrol across borders.
