NLC Demands Action as Petrol Prices Hit N1,520 per Litre

Petrol prices in Nigeria have risen significantly, reaching as high as N1,520 per litre in some states, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) calling for government action to protect workers and consumers. On September 17, the NLC reported that petrol was selling for approximately N1,430 per litre in major cities, with higher prices in remote areas.

For instance, prices in Damaturu ranged from N1,500 to N1,520 per litre, while Kano, Sokoto, Borno, and Taraba recorded prices of N1,500 per litre. This surge follows the Petroleum Refinery's increase in its gantry price to N1,350 per litre from N1,265, effective September 12, marking the fourth increase since August 21.

Chinedu Ukadike, publicity secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, warned that prices could escalate to N2,000 per litre if crude oil costs continue to rise and the naira depreciates further. The NLC echoed demands for reasonable wage awards, local refineries to be settled in naira, and increased national storage capacity for petroleum products.