The Federal Government has announced a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations, with public transport operators set to receive priority under the arrangement.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing on petrol prices and subsidy-related issues in Abuja.
Oyedele clarified that the initiative was not a return to the abolished petrol subsidy regime, explaining that the government would allow NNPCL to sell petrol at cost during the initial 30-day period.
He said public transport operators nationwide would be prioritised to ensure they benefit from the temporary price relief.
“We are offering a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for the next 30 days in the first instance, with priority for public transporters nationwide. So, it’s not a subsidy; the government is just saying we sell to you at cost,” Oyedele said.
The announcement comes amid variations in petrol prices at NNPCL filling stations across the country, reflecting differences in prevailing pump prices across locations.
According to the company’s latest reported price list, petrol sells for ₦1,355 per litre in Lagos and Rivers states, while the price in Abuja stands at ₦1,370 per litre.
The government’s latest intervention is expected to provide temporary relief for public transport operators and other eligible beneficiaries, potentially helping to ease transportation costs during the 30-day period.
However, the extent of the relief will depend on how the discount is implemented across participating filling stations and the degree to which the lower fuel costs translate into reduced transport fares for commuters.
