Petrol Price Hits About ₦1,430 As NLC Demands Emergency Measures

Petrol Price Hits About ₦1,430 as NLC Demands Emergency Measures The price of petrol has risen to about ₦1,430 per litre in major Nigerian cities, with prices reportedly higher in less accessible locations, amid renewed concerns over the impact of rising fuel costs on households and businesses. The latest development has prompted the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC to call on the Federal Government to introduce urgent measures to cushion the effects of the increase. In a statement titled “Save the Situation Now,” NLC President Joe Ajaero urged the Federal Government to provide emergency wage awards to workers nationwide. The labour organisation also called for sufficient crude oil to be sold in naira to local refineries, arguing that greater access to domestic crude could help provide a buffer against international oil-market disruptions. The NLC further urged the government to expand national petroleum storage capacity to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to energy emergencies. According to Channels Television’s checks, petrol is selling for around ₦1,430 per litre in major cities, while consumers in less accessible locations are reportedly paying more. The NLC warned that higher petrol prices could increase transportation costs and place additional pressure on the prices of food, rent, school fees and other essential goods and services. Ajaero said the latest increase had come amid renewed disruption in global oil markets linked to conflict in the Gulf. The NLC argued that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country with domestic refining capacity, should have mechanisms to shield consumers from some of the effects of international market volatility. The labour body said emergency support, including wage awards and other forms of intervention, should be considered to protect workers and households from the impact of higher fuel costs. It also argued that crude supplied to domestic refineries in naira could support local refining and contribute to the creation of jobs and economic value. The call comes as Nigeria continues efforts to increase domestic refining and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. Data previously reported by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that local refiners received 53.7 million barrels of crude oil and condensate in the second quarter of 2026, under the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation framework. The NLC’s latest demands therefore place renewed emphasis on the availability and pricing of domestic crude as part of efforts to manage petrol costs. For consumers, the latest increase in pump prices is likely to remain closely linked to transportation and other household expenses as the government and labour organisations debate measures to cushion the impact.