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Petrol Crisis: NNPCL Halts Sales to Independent Marketers as Fuel Prices Surge
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.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Mohammed Aminu the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
The President has also appointed Mr Idris Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) informed that Dr. Aminu holds a Ph.D. in Automobile Technology and a Masters in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
According to the statement, he brings 28 years of experience in teaching, administration, research, and policy development to his new role.
Until his appointment, he served as Director of Procurement at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
An advocate for vocational education and skills development, Dr. Aminu has authored multiple publications and presented research on innovative pedagogies, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation. He is also a member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and the Automotive and Locomotive Engineers Institute.
President Tinubu urged the new NABTEB Registrar to leverage his vast experience to drive transformational leadership in the agency, ensuring it continues to assess and certify skilled Human Resources essential for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
The new UBEC chairman, Mr. Olorunnimbe brings years of experience in innovative leadership and commitment to youth empowerment and education.
Rasaq Olajuwon was named UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), while Tunde Ajibulu will serve as Deputy Executive Secretary (Services).
As Group CEO of The Temple Company, which he founded in 2016, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives across education, entertainment, and sports.
He previously served on the Board of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committees, driving impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes
Mr Olajuwon, until his appointment, was Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), while Mr Ajibulu, a Fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), is a Director at Tangent Construction Nigeria Limited and Partner at Covenant Consultancy Services.
President Tinubu enjoined the new appointees to strengthen the human capital needed to drive educational reforms and enhance service delivery at UBEC, ensuring greater access to quality basic education nationwide.
Ijoba Lande, the comedian, has revealed that he has forgiven Darasimi, his estranged wife, for “cheating on me”.
Lande recently claimed that Dara had left him after discovering her infidelity with at least 21 men in the entertainment industry, including Baba Tee.
Baba Tee admitted to having a brief sexual encounter with Dara during a game of ‘Truth or Dare’, but she denied the claim, arguing that she only sat on his lap.
In a recent Instagram live session with media personality Daddy Freeze, Lande said while he has forgiven his wife he will not take her back.
He also said that she would have no access to the child they share.
“She does not need to come to seek forgiveness from me, I have forgiven her. I forgave her because I see it as a part of my life journey,” he said.
“I also forgave her so that God will forgive my own sins as well but she can never come back to me.
“But everything she did to me is gone. However, she cannot have access to the child she had for me because it was her mum who handed the child over to me when I went to their house.”
The Kebbi State Government has confirmed that 26 people have died from a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega local government areas.
Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses and can spread from person to person.
Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. If not treated quickly, it can lead to serious complications or death.
Details later…
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