Abuja, Nigeria – In a shocking move, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has increased the retail price of petrol to N1,030 per litre at its stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sparking widespread discontent among motorists.
The sudden price hike, which represents a 14.8% or N133 increase from the previous price of N897 per litre, is the second increase in just one month. This development is expected to have far-reaching implications for transportation costs in the FCT.
According to eyewitnesses, NNPC mega stations in Central Area and other locations have implemented the new price, although the rates are not displayed on signboards or pump meters. Instead, fuel attendants verbally communicate the price to customers.
“I’m appalled by this sudden increase,” said a frustrated customer, who preferred anonymity. “I wasted time queuing, only to be told the price had skyrocketed to N1,030. This is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, independent marketers, such as Conoil and Total Energies, located opposite the NNPC headquarters, continue to sell petrol at N926 per litre, albeit with lengthy queues.
The price hike has sparked concerns among residents, who fear the ripple effects on the cost of living, transportation, and economic activities in the FCT.
Reaction
Motorists and commuters have taken to social media to express their outrage, calling on the government to intervene and regulate the petroleum sector.
“This is another burden on Nigerians,” tweeted @ConcernedCitizen. “How can we survive with these constant price increases?”
Next Steps
As the public outcry intensifies, stakeholders are urging the government to:
- Investigate the sudden price hike
- Regulate the petroleum sector to prevent arbitrary price increases
- Provide relief measures for affected Nigerians
