Rising Petrol Prices Spark Political Tensions Ahead of 2027

Petrol prices at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited outlets and private filling stations have increased significantly, with prices reported at N1,385 per litre in Lagos, N1,430 in Abuja, and N1,456 in Yobe. Other states reported similar increases, with Borno at N1,452, Adamawa at N1,447, and Taraba at N1,445.

The price adjustments followed a decision by Petroleum Refinery to reduce its ex-gantry price from N1,350 to N1,325 per litre. The Nigeria Labour Congress indicated that petrol was selling at around N1,430 per litre in major cities, with some areas charging as high as N1,500.

The price hikes have intensified scrutiny of President Bola Tinubu's administration, which ended government price controls, exposing domestic prices to international oil market fluctuations. The APC faces mounting pressure from opposition parties and labor leaders, who criticize the subsidy removal and call for measures to protect households from rising fuel costs.

The upcoming presidential elections on January 16, 2027, and governorship elections on February 6, 2027, are likely to keep fuel prices central to economic discussions during the campaign.