Update: Petrol Scarcity, Fuel Price Hike, and Stakeholders’ Reactions in Nigeria
The recent increase in fuel prices in Nigeria has continued to spark controversy and frustration among citizens. Naijawebinfo brings you the latest updates on the ongoing petrol scarcity, fuel price hike, and reactions from the government and citizens.
A recent statement from the Dangote Refinery has clarified claims by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) regarding difficulties in loading refined products from the facility. According to the refinery, it has no direct dealings with IPMAN and has not accepted any payment from the association for petroleum purchases. This contradicts IPMAN’s earlier claims that the association had paid ₦40 billion to NNPC Limited for petroleum purchases and yet, members are still experiencing difficulties in loading fuel from the Dangote Refinery.
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, speaking on behalf of his fellow governors, has condemned Nigeria’s dependence on the importation of petroleum to meet its local demands, describing it as “an aberration” for an oil-producing country to import fuel. The governors have called for the repair of the country’s refineries to make petroleum products more available and affordable for citizens.
The governors also emphasized the need to support the Dangote Refinery and encouraged the president’s naira-for-crude policy. Uzodinma said, “We must encourage the homegrown solution that the President just introduced; encouraging Dangote Refinery. We should repair our Port Harcourt Refinery, repair our Warri Refinery, repair our Kaduna Refinery, and then produce what we eat, and eat what we produce.”
The ongoing dispute between Dangote Refinery and Nigerian petroleum marketers has intensified, with Dangote Refinery’s Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer stating that the refinery loads 2,900 trucks per day and can also evacuate petroleum products by sea, urging IPMAN to follow the due process as there is fuel in abundance.
Many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the disagreements among key stakeholders, emphasizing their demand for affordable and readily available fuel rather than public disputes. Dangote Refinery has suggested that lower fuel prices might be out of reach due to what he described as “apathy” from marketers.
The situation has led to a surge in fuel prices, disappointing many Nigerians who had hoped for cheaper fuel due to the arrival of the private refinery. As the controversy continues, many are calling for more transparency and efficiency in the fuel production and distribution process.
