Allow the less fortunate to breathe’: Public reactions as NNPCL raises pump price to N617
NMA cautions FG on prudent implementation of subsidy removal By Adeola Badru and Biodun Busari
Nigerians woke up on Tuesday morning to the news of a surge in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit to N617/litre at certain filling stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Abuja.
According to our correspondent, the previously sold petrol at prices ranging from N500 to N510 has now been adjusted to N616 in Ibadan and its surroundings.
In Lagos, the price of the product varies from one location to another. A survey conducted by a correspondent from Vanguard in Lagos revealed that petrol is being sold at prices ranging from N565 to N617 per litre at several visited filling stations.
Some residents in Ibadan expressed concerns that this increase would further burden the people, leading to elevated transportation and food costs.
In conversations with Vanguard, some residents referred to the ‘unannounced hike’ as a deliberate attempt to diminish the purchasing power of Nigerians and exacerbate hunger in the country.
Those who believed that the well-being and standard of living of Nigerians were under threat criticized the government for not providing necessary palliatives prior to removing fuel subsidies.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to raise the minimum wage, provide substantial palliatives, and expedite efforts to alleviate the hardship currently faced by Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have been expressing their grievances online, particularly on Twitter.
@iam_doctormayor tweeted, “I heard that this morning at NNPC this is the latest price. Before we make a wish for a new Nigeria. Before we make a wish for a rerun election. Before we make a wish for DSTV to reduce their subscription before #BBNaija will start. Let fuel price reduce first.”
@wakawaka_doctor wrote, “1 litre of fuel is now 617 Naira. 50 litres of fuel = application fee for the University of Vienna. Choose wisely 😅”
@FS_Yusuf_ stated, “Right now, you need almost 50K to fill up your car fuel tank. On this mandate, I stand!”
@Elkrosmediahub commented, “Proposed N8000 monthly for the ‘poor,’ increased fuel price by over N100 per litre. By the time they are done with us, we would have realized elections have consequences.”
@Morris_Monye stated, “Naira to dollar is high. Naira to pounds is high. Fuel price is high. Groceries are high. Minimum wage and your salaries are LOW. Politicians’ salaries are very high.”
@V_A_D_D_I_C_T said, “This new fuel price will benefit me and my family.”
