KEY POINTS
- NNPCL raises the petrol price to N1,030 per litre in Abuja, sparking frustration.
- Independent fuel stations see long queues as prices remain lower than NNPCL.
- Rising fuel costs in Abuja will drive up transportation and living expenses.
Some Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) stations have raised the price of petrol to N1,030 per litre, causing transportation costs to spike in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Just under a month ago, motorists were paying N897 per litre.
The latest change implies a 14.8 percent boost, or N133 extra, per litre. The price surge is the second in a month and has left consumers frustrated after being blindsided.
Fuel prices soar at NNPCL stations
A customer waited for hours in line at the NNPCL mega station in Abuja. He was frustrated when he realized the petrol price had risen to N1,030 per liter. The station had not updated its price display for customers to see. Many drivers remained unaware of the price hike until fuel attendants informed them.
“I am very angry right now. At this station, I had thought the price would be lower than other stations. One frustrated customer, who asked not to be named, said: ‘I went to buy the drug in a government hospital in Ikoyi and I only knew of the hike in price after waiting in line.
Long queues at independent stations
Punch reported that petrol was sold for a relatively lower price at independent fuel stations like Conoil and Total Energies opposite the NNPCL headquarters for N926 per litre. But that left these stations with long lines as drivers tried to save on gas, another stress added to the already-public one.
While petrol prices remain high, Abuja residents are worried about the transportation costs, which may result in running costs of goods and services in the coming weeks.
