Drivers criticize fuel sellers for keeping gasoline prices high amid worldwide cost decrease

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Many motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern about the high cost of fuel despite a drop in global oil prices.

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According to them, many filling stations across the FCT have yet to adjust their fuel pumps to reflect the price drop.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the price of crude oil in the global market has dropped from $ 150 per barrel to below $ 80 per barrel.

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This is due to the de-escalation of the crisis between the U.S. and Iran.

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The development led the Dangote Refinery to reduce its petrol gantry price by N75 per litre after crude oil prices fell below $ 80 per barrel.

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NAN checks revealed that some filling stations like MRS had adjusted their pump price to between ₦ 1,241 and ₦1,261 per litre, while other retail outlets charged between ₦1,335 and ₦1,360 per litre.

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) had urged fuel importers to reflect the drop in global crude oil prices.

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The National President of PETROAN, Mr Billy Gillis-Harry, said the recent drop in global crude oil prices offered an opportunity to pass the savings on lower crude costs to consumers.

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Mr Chinedu Ukadike, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN), while reacting to the development, attributed it to financial risks.

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According to him, high operating costs, among others, are also reasons why many filling stations have not reduced their pump prices.

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Ukadike said the delay was largely driven by demand and supply dynamics, as marketers who purchased fuel at higher prices could not immediately adjust their pump prices without suffering substantial losses.

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He noted that under the current deregulated system, there was no government compensation mechanism to cushion marketers against losses from sudden price changes.

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Ukadike said that the financial burden on marketers had increased significantly due to the rising capital required to purchase petroleum products.

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“The amount of money needed to buy petroleum products today is far higher than it was in the past.

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“At the same time, interest rates on bank loans remain high, insurance costs are increasing, and the overall cost of doing business continues to rise,” he said.

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To address the challenges facing the downstream petroleum sector, he said several measures were aimed at improving price stability and reducing risks across the supply chain.

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Ukadike recommended the establishment of a Petroleum or Energy Bank to provide financing support for petroleum product purchases.

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According to him, such an institution will work directly with refiners and marketers to absorb market risks, facilitate product distribution, and stabilize fuel pricing.

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He urged the Federal Government to introduce additional incentives that would support independent marketers and help keep fuel prices affordable for consumers.

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“Fuel distribution affects every sector of the economy. When fuel prices rise, transportation costs increase and inflation spreads across society.

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“Government policies should therefore focus on promoting affordable energy while ensuring energy security,” he said.

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Ukadike also called for the rehabilitation and full operation of local refineries, including the Port Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries.

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He said that the domestic refining capacity would enhance competition, diversify supply sources, and contribute to greater price stability in the petroleum sector.

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