Reports claimed that the Nigerian government had quietly increased the pump price of petrol to ₦185 per litre
On Friday, the Nigerian government stated that they have not authorized any increase in gasoline prices throughout the country. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, made this known through a statement released by his senior advisor on media and communication, Horatius Egua. Despite reports of a rise in gasoline prices, Sylva stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has not given the green light for an increase in the price of PMS or any other oil products.
The minister stated that there is no justification for President Muhammadu Buhari to go back on his previous assurance of not granting any increase in the price of petroleum motor spirit (PMS) at this moment. He added that the President is aware of the difficulties faced by Nigerians and has repeatedly expressed his understanding of their struggles, and would not want to impose additional hardships on the population.
On Thursday, a Guardian report claimed that the Nigerian government had discreetly granted ₦185 as the new gasoline price per liter. The report stated that this approved price was communicated to major marketers through a memo released early Thursday. However, Mr. Sylva denied the claims on Friday and stated that the government would not authorize any increase in PMS without proper consultation with relevant parties.
According to the Minister, President Muhammadu Buhari has not given any instruction to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority or any other agency to raise the fuel price. He emphasized that this is not the appropriate time to increase the pump price of PMS.
The Minister said that the current situation is the work of those who are trying to sabotage and tarnish the accomplishments of President Muhammadu Buhari in the oil and gas sector of the economy. He urged the citizens to stay composed and obey the laws as the government works towards restoring normalcy in the fuel supply and distribution in the country.
In recent months, particularly after the government announced its intention to remove fuel subsidies, obtaining gasoline at filling stations has been a challenge for many Nigerians. Despite the government’s assertions that there was enough fuel in stock, the scarcity has persisted. In various parts of the country, filling stations have sold fuel at prices higher than the government’s official pump price.
Source: Premium Times