The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to protect Nigerians from the impact of rising petrol prices, as the cost of the commodity reaches as high as N1,500 per litre in some states.
The labour union said the increase, linked to renewed tensions in the Gulf region and rising international crude oil prices, was putting additional pressure on households and businesses across the country.
According to the NLC, petrol currently sells for about N1,430 per litre in some major cities, while consumers in states including Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba and Zamfara are paying up to N1,500 per litre.
The union, in a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, urged the Federal Government to introduce emergency measures to cushion the effect of the rising fuel price.
Among its demands are the payment of reasonable wage awards to workers, increased supply of crude oil to local refineries in naira and expansion of the country’s petroleum storage capacity.
The NLC said these measures would help reduce the pressure on Nigerians, particularly as higher petrol prices usually translate into increased transportation costs and rising prices of food and other essential goods.
The union also said government intervention, including subsidies, should not be completely ruled out during an emergency, arguing that oil-producing countries were taking steps to protect their citizens from the effects of the global energy crisis.
The labour body further expressed concern over the reported importation of crude oil by some local refineries, describing the development as contrary to the objective of developing Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.
Meanwhile, fuel marketers have warned that petrol prices could rise further if international crude oil prices continue to increase.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria urged the government to consider supplying crude oil to domestic refineries at a stable price and reducing some charges associated with the distribution of petroleum products.
