The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent surge in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing it as a blatant disregard for the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Senior officials of the NLC expressed their concerns in separate interviews on Sunday, criticizing the hike as a harsh burden on the masses. This comes as oil marketers and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery denied responsibility for the price increase, attributing it instead to rising global crude oil costs.
Recall that On friday, petrol prices climbed to between N1,050 and N1,150 per litre, sparking widespread outrage. Dealers confirmed that the surge was due to the rising cost of crude oil, a key component in fuel production.
However, the Dangote Refinery, in a statement, clarified that the price hike was not a direct result of operations at its $20bn Lekki plant but rather a reflection of crude oil price trends. Depot owners have also echoed this explanation, warning that prices could rise further if crude oil costs remain on an upward trajectory.
The NLC has called on the government and stakeholders in the oil sector to intervene and implement measures that would cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on Nigerians.
The union also urged for the revival of domestic refining capacities to reduce reliance on imported petrol and stabilize local prices.
