NLC Rejects Petrol Price Hike, Questions Crude Supply

On September 2, 2023, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by acting General Secretary Benson Upah, rejected the latest increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) by Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The price rose by N65 per litre, from N1,200 to N1,265, marking the third increase in eight days.

Upah described the hike as "avoidable and unacceptable," emphasizing the economic strain on workers and low-income households. He questioned why more Nigerian crude is not being supplied to domestic refineries, especially given the falling prices in the international market and Nigeria's increasing refining capacity.

The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to reduce reliance on imported refined products but reportedly processes 30-40% imported crude. In the second quarter of 2026, the refinery accepted only 52.6 million barrels of the 68.1 million barrels offered, indicating challenges in domestic crude supply related to pricing, quality, and logistics.