Uneven petrol prices, lingering hardship as Zaria residents question NNPC discount

The landing cost of imported Premium Motor Spirit fell to N1,283.81 per litre, down from the previous figure of N1,292.81 per litre. The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria released the data in its latest energy bulletin. This marginal decrease occurred while Brent crude oil prices rose slightly to $108.90 per barrel from $108.80 per barrel. Consequently, the new landing cost sits N66.19, or approximately 4.90 percent, below the N1,350 per litre gantry price set by Dangote Refinery. It also remains between N64.19 and N74.19 per litre lower than the ex-depot prices of N1,348 to N1,358 quoted by depot owners. Despite the drop in import costs, pump prices stayed high in major cities. Motorists in Lagos and Abuja reported paying between N1,370 and N1,429 per litre at filling stations. Industry observers attribute the gap between landing costs and retail prices to additional expenses and margins accumulated throughout the supply chain, such as transportation, storage, and retail operations. These developments unfold against the backdrop of a proposed 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited filling stations. On October 8, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele proposed selling petrol at N1,350 per litre at these specific outlets under the initiative. However, the discount had not been fully implemented at NNPC stations at the time of recent reports. Resident feedback highlights uneven implementation and limited economic relief. In Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, many residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current pricing structure. Commercial drivers, motorcycle riders, tricycle operators, and traders stated that the intervention has failed to ease the rising cost of living effectively. While some acknowledged the price adjustment, others argued the difference was too minor to impact daily expenses significantly. Doubts persisted regarding whether the relief measures were applied uniformly across all filling stations. Danlami Garba-Dan Kabo, a commercial driver in Zaria, noted that he has not seen meaningful benefits despite purchasing fuel at an NNPC station in Dakatsalle. He preferred private filling stations because he perceived little price difference compared to NNPC outlets. Garba-Dan Kabo stated that high fuel costs make it difficult for drivers to earn sufficient income to support their families. He claimed some drivers skip work for two or three days because they cannot afford to operate their vehicles. Many of these drivers support multiple wives and children, intensifying the financial pressure caused by expensive petrol. Similar sentiments emerged from motorcycle and tricycle operators. Idris, a commercial motorcycle rider, urged the government to implement further price cuts, arguing that current levels did not provide adequate relief for operators relying on daily earnings. Sanin Mallan, a tricycle operator, continued buying from NNPC stations due to perceived fuel quality but appealed for additional reductions. Traders also linked high fuel costs to broader economic strain. Alhaji Dahiru, a retailer at Sabon Kasuwa market, said expensive petrol drove up commodity prices and reduced customer purchasing power. He cited the price trajectory of parboiled rice as evidence. A tier of parboiled rice sold for N450 to N500 five years ago, rose to N7,500, dropped to N3,500, and recently climbed back to N4,500. Local rice currently sells for between N3,800 and N4,000 per tier.