Despite repeated assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that there are no intentions to increase the pump price, independent marketers have hiked prices to over N700 per litre in states such as Sokoto and Borno.
According to a recent market survey conducted by Daily Trust, a litre of fuel was being sold between N690 and N700 at most filling stations owned by independent marketers in the Sokoto metropolis.
Moreover, major marketers like AA Rano and Dan Marina filling stations were selling a litre for N675, while NNPC Mega station was selling at N620/l.
In Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, our Daily Trust observed that the price of PMS had surged to N720 as of yesterday. Furthermore, NNPC mega stations, which are expected to sell at regulated prices, had not dispensed fuel for over a week, as reported by the correspondent, who conducted a thorough inspection.
“We’ve been coming to the NNPC mega stations to buy fuel, but none of them is selling, I’m afraid they are trying to increase the fuel price,” a car owner, Inusa Salisu, said.
Another driver, Hassan Aliyu, complained that most of the filling stations were selling more than N700 in the town.
“And for those fuel stations where a litre cost N700, they do tamper the reading of the dispensing machine. After everything you will realize that the fuel cost is above N750 sometimes,” he claimed.
In Kano, petrol prices ranged from N620 to N690 per liter, varying by the filling station. NNPC stations maintained a price of N620 per liter.
AA Rano stations at locations like Sharada sold petrol at N675 per liter, while Aliko Oil, situated on Zaria Road near the Gyadi-Gyadi roundabout, also sold fuel at the same price.
Market surveys conducted in Abuja revealed that independent marketers priced petrol at around N670 per liter.
Nasir Gidan Kanawa, one of the independent marketers, explained that the price differences were influenced by the varying costs of diesel.
“We are buying our commodity from the major markets like AA Rano, and Dan Marina who get their supply directly from NNPC.
“As of today (Monday) the cost of a litre at the depot is between N627 and N630 and we spend an additional N55 to transport each litre to Sokoto not to talk of other expenses.
“That is why some of our members sell a litre at N690 while others sell at N700,” he said
Last week, NNPC Ltd issued a statement advising Nigerians to dismiss baseless rumors and reassured them that there were no intentions for a hike in the price of PMS.