Just 48 hours after the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N568 per litre to N898 per litre, petrol stations in Enugu State have begun selling the product for as high as N1,200 to N1,250 per litre. This surge in prices comes at a time when many were anticipating the much-awaited rollout of petrol from the Dangote Refinery.
Reporters have observed that the price hike has triggered widespread outrage, particularly as transport fares have doubled, further exacerbating the already difficult economic conditions in the country.
Checks revealed that most filling stations in Enugu have adjusted their pump prices to N1,200, while many other stations have remained closed.
Some of the petrol stations currently selling at N1,200 per litre include Techno Petrol Station, Pinnacle Oil & Gas, and Master Energy. However, the NNPC petrol stations on Ogui Road and along the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway were still selling at a relatively lower price of N870 per litre as of Thursday.
The sharp rise in petrol prices has led to a significant increase in transportation costs across Enugu State. A survey by SaharaReporters showed that fares have doubled in many areas. For instance, the fare from Emene to Abakpa Junction, which previously cost N200, now costs N400. The trip from Ogui Junction to Obiagu, formerly N150, is now N250 to N300. Similarly, the fare from Obiagu to Abakpa has risen from N250 to N450, and the journey from Eke Obinagu to Old Park, which used to cost N400, now ranges between N550 and N600.
Some drivers expressed their frustration with the price hikes, calling the situation unacceptable. One driver noted, “The government has yet to implement the N70,000 minimum wage, and even if they do, the increased fuel prices would swallow it up.”
Reports from NewdayReportersconfirmed that the recent adjustment in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has sparked widespread anxiety and concern across Nigeria.
Calculations show that at the current rate of N850 per litre, the proposed N70,000 minimum wage would only be sufficient to buy 82 litres of petrol, further highlighting the severe impact of the price hikes on everyday life.
