Nigerian Fuel Price Hike Sparks Protest from Advocacy Group

A call to action from the Coalition for Energy Reforms and Good Governance Advocacy in Nigeria is urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to remove hidden levies and charges on premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, produced at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The coalition’s Executive Director, Dr. Jonathan Amande, issued a statement in Abuja on Sunday, following the latest increase in pump prices, which has sparked outrage among Nigerians.

The outcry is centered around the sudden hike in fuel prices, despite the fact that the product is being locally refined. The coalition argues that the removal of hidden levies and charges would make the product more affordable for Nigerians and alleviate the worsening hardship faced by citizens. These charges, they claim, have been added to the Premium, inspection fee, margin, and NMDPRA fee, which have been publicly declared. The coalition also alleges that additional charges, including those from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), are unjustified and inflate the cost of locally produced fuel.

According to the coalitions, these levies prevent the Dangote Refinery from selling fuel at more affordable prices, potentially as low as N400 per liter. Without these additional charges, local refineries could potentially sell fuel at prices significantly cheaper than what is currently available.

The NNPCL’s recent price hike has left many citizens questioning what prompted the increase, given that the product is being locally refined. The coalition’s call for the removal of hidden levies and charges is seen as a step towards making fuel more affordable for Nigerians and addressing the current economic hardship faced by many. As the global community continues to monitor the situation, it remains to be seen whether the NNPCL will heed the coalition’s call and take steps to reform the fuel pricing system in Nigeria.