Petrol Price Hike Looms Amid Israel-Iran Conflict Escalation
As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran in the Middle East, Nigerian oil marketers are warning of a potential fresh price hike for Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol). According to Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), the rising price of crude oil, including Nigerian blends, is expected to drive up the cost of petrol in the country.
Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel means that any price increase in the global market will likely be felt locally. Currently, petrol is priced between N950 and N1,150 per litre nationwide. The possibility of a price hike is concerning for Nigerians, who are already feeling the pinch of rising costs.
The warning comes despite the recent inauguration of the Dangote Refinery, which was expected to increase Nigeria’s fuel production capacity. However, Gillis-Harry’s comments suggest that the refinery’s impact may be offset by global market fluctuations.
In the midst of the Iran-Israel conflict, Brent and Nigeria’s crude futures stood at above $77 per barrel on Friday, sparking concerns about the potential for a global price hike. As the situation continues to unfold, Nigerians may soon find themselves facing yet another increase in the price of petrol.
The development highlights the vulnerability of Nigeria’s fuel market to global events and underscores the need for the country to diversify its energy sources and develop a more sustainable fuel strategy.
