By Mario Deepromoter

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has reportedly halted the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to independent marketers following a price increase implemented earlier this week. On Tuesday, NNPCL raised the cost of petrol to N855 and above across its retail outlets nationwide, significantly impacting fuel prices and causing transportation fares to escalate.

Despite three vessels docking at the Apapa jetty in Lagos on Wednesday, the petrol supply situation has become dire. Commuters across Nigeria faced severe disruptions, with many stranded or forced to trek long distances due to worsening fuel queues. Many commercial motorists limited their operations, expressing dissatisfaction with the recent hike.

Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), voiced concerns over the NNPCL’s sudden decision to restrict fuel sales to independent marketers without any prior communication, despite some awaiting product shipments for over two months. He noted that independent marketers were reporting prices as high as N1,200 to N1,300 per litre in several states following the NNPCL’s price adjustment.

“Most of us haven’t been able to load fuel due to the suspension. The tickets we submitted have not been processed,” Fashola stated. “It’s frustrating, especially for those who prepaid for their orders.”

Fashola further underscored the reliance of independent marketers on private depot owners, who charge more, leading to a significant price disparity with major marketers. He signaled ongoing monitoring of the situation, particularly as the Dangote refinery is anticipated to begin supply soon.

In response to the demand for definitive pricing amid the current chaos, Fashola remarked that each filling station sets its own prices, as NNPCL’s pricing policies are binding only at its retail outlets. He emphasized that the current N855 per litre price indicates that NNPCL is still bearing some subsidy costs.

With the fuel crisis worsening, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned the recent price hikes, urging the Federal Government to swiftly revert to previous rates. TUC President Festus Osifo warned that the increase could lead to further poverty and social unrest.

“Such a sudden increase, especially without stakeholder engagement, reflects a neglect of the welfare of ordinary Nigerians,” Osifo stated.

Protests erupted in several states, including a significant demonstration in Delta State, where commercial tricycle operators and local residents took to the streets to express their discontent over the fuel price surge. They called for immediate government intervention.

As the petroleum sector remains in turmoil, many Nigerians witnessed transport fares increase markedly. In Lagos, some fuels stations listed prices exceeding N1,000 per litre, compelling residents in border areas to pay as much as N1,600 from black marketers.

While NNPCL insists it did not mandate the price increase, the adjustments at its stations have left consumers confused and frustrated. Commuters voiced their frustration over the rising costs, and many have adjusted their transport options, turning to bicycles and walking due to unaffordable fares.

As the nation’s fuel administration approaches a pivotal moment with the anticipated contributions from Dangote refinery, stakeholders await clarity on the pricing dynamics that will follow and hope for a resolution to the ongoing crisis, which has beleaguered Nigerian citizens in their daily lives.