Nigerians on social media on Tuesday kicked against the adjustment in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, known better as petrol.
The PUNCH reports that the pump price of petrol was raised from N537/litre to N617/litre at some filling stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Abuja on Tuesday.
Independent oil marketers confirmed the increase in the cost of the commodity, as they stated that any shift in price by NNPCL stations was an indication of a rise in the pump price of PMS.
“This is because NNPCL is still the major importer of petrol into Nigeria currently, though other marketers are gradually importing the commodity. The price this (Tuesday) morning at some NNPCL stations is N617/litre,” the Secretary, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abuja-Suleja, Mohammed Shuaibu, told our correspondent.
Justifying the increase, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, attributed the rise in petrol pump prices in Nigeria to market forces.
Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday, Kyari said, “They are just prices depending on the market realities. This is the meaning of making sure that the market regulates itself. Prices will go up and sometimes they will come down also.”
Alarmed by the development, Nigerians took to social media to bemoan the price hike, lamenting that the situation would further impoverish the citizens
“NNPC fuel price is now N617 per liter. I hope you’re enjoying the renewed shege?,” a popular tweep, Nefferetti with Twitter handle @firstladyship wrote.
@PoojaMedia wrote, “President Tinubu needs to address the nation NOW. Hunger is walking on the streets of Nigeria.”
Another user, @trending_medic, said, “Fuel at 617 naira per litre and dollar hitting 835 naira to 1 USD. Thank God it’s only Obidients that will suffer it.”
@OfficialUdiBoy wrote, “Fuel has gone up to 617 naira, renewed hope has turned to renewed shege. E go touch everybody until we get the mandate back.”
On his part, @YemieFash said, “The same petrol that was 190 naira per litre two months ago is now 617 naira per litre. Is this the renewed hope?.”
“Not up to a month and Tinubu times are this hard!! No way in Hell I am buying fuel for 617 naira. Once my phone goes off now na till Nepa bring light next,” @KhaleedSZN wrote.
@SodiqTade wrote, “Dear Tinubu Boys, A litre of fuel is now selling for 617 naira almost two months after the removal of subsidy by Tinubu. Do you still think the 8k per household will cushion the possible effects of this new price? It seems Nigerians have entered one chance with this mandate.”
-Punch
