Abuja Petrol Prices Hit N1,371/Litre, Residents Decry Soaring Fuel Costs

Petrol prices have spiked sharply in Abuja, with pump prices reaching as high as N1,371 per litre, sparking outrage among consumers already grappling with rising living costs.

Market checks revealed that NIPCO sells at N1,371 per litre, while AYM Shafa offers petrol at N1,370. NNPC Retail has raised its price to N1,361 per litre from N1,261 last week, while MRS — a partner outlet of Dangote Refinery — now sells at N1,367 per litre, up from N1,270.

The latest surge follows adjustments in gantry prices by the Dangote Refinery, pushing overall petrol price increases to about 55 per cent within three weeks.

Previous price movements show a steady rise:

• March 3: NNPC at N975, AYM Shafa at N960
• March 6: NNPC at N1,068, AYM Shafa at N1,098
• March 9: NNPC increased from N1,161 to N1,267, while AYM Shafa moved from N1,230 to N1,300

Any brief decline in prices was short-lived, as rates climbed again in subsequent days.

Public Outcry

Consumers expressed frustration at the rising fuel costs during visits to stations in Kugbo and Karu, blaming authorities for not taking action.

Isa Kabir, a civil servant, stated:

“Deregulation should not translate into unchecked profiteering. From N880 at the start of the month to over N1,370 in just three weeks is excessive. Without a social safety net, this will push more Nigerians into poverty.”

Taxi driver Michael Ade described how the increases are affecting transport:

“N10,000 now buys just over seven litres of petrol, down from nearly 12 litres a month ago. Fares have risen from N1,200 to N2,000 for the same trips.”

Residents urged the government to intervene quickly, warning that the removal of fuel subsidy should not result in unbearable hardship for Nigerians.

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