As P/Harcourt Refinery Begins Fuel Production, Nigerians Call For A Reduction in Fuel Price
Anthony EKPO-BASSEY
As the Portharcourt refinery commences fuel production, Nigerians from all walks of life have called on the Federal Government to reduce the bump price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise, known as fuel.
After several failed deadlines in the commencement of production, NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye assured Nigerians that loading of trucks would begin today. "Port Harcourt Refinery begins production. Truck loading starts today, Tuesday." Soneye remarked, while briefing pressmen.
Similarly, an update on the NNPC X handle reads: "NNPC Ltd delivers Port Harcourt Refinery as plant begins truckout of products today, Tuesday 26th November 2024 at 1:45pm. Watch the commissioning and trucking out event LIVE."
Given this background, many Nigerians have cried out to the Federal Government to immediately reduce the bump price of fuel in order to reduce the high cost of transportation fares across the country.
Speaking to our Correspondent, a resident in Calabar, Gabriel Archibong, lamented that the increase in transportation fares has made life difficult for a lot of people and has contributed to the high cost of living in the country. "Increase in transportation fares due to the alarming fuel price has made life unbearable for a lot of people in this country. Life is so hard and the cost of living keeps rising by the day." Gabriel lamented.
Also, Paschal Agube, a resident of Enugu who spoke to our Correspondent via phone, said that the routes that he initially paid between N50 and N100, respectively, for a drop, he pays between N250 and N300, now. "Before now, there were routes I used to pay as low as N50 and later N100 for a drop. Sadly, with the increase in fuel price, passengers pay between N250 and N300 for a drop now, at same routes. It's that bad. This has made life so difficult for a lot of people. Now, it is obvious that more people trek to their respective offices, schools or business places." Agube said.
Similarly, Solomon Odiong, a resident in Lagos told our Correspondent via phone conversation that there are times he abandons his vehicle and uses public transportation but he still spends so much on mobility. "This isn't nice at all. There are times I abandon my vehicle and use public transportation yet I do spend so much on mobility. This is hoping that with the commencement of production at Portharcourt refinery, the Federal Government will consider and actually reduce the cost of fuel. We really pray that things get better. Odiong, prayed.
According to reports, fuel prices in Nigeria vary by region and station. For instance, in some states at the South-South region, NNPC sells at N1,060 in Calabar and some parts of Cross River State. While other marketers sell between N1,150 - N1,300. In Bayelsa State, NNPC sells at N1,300 but other marketers sell at N1,450-N1,500. In the South-East, NNPC sells at N1,100 but private stations sell at N1,200 - N1,250.
In the North West, NNPC sells at N1,070 but other marketers sell at N1,120 - N1,500.
