Energy Expert Calls for Refinery Restart as Petrol Price Hits ₦1,500
Energy expert and scholar, Dr Joseph Obele, has called on the Federal Government and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to urgently restart Nigeria’s government-owned refineries amid the rising cost of petroleum products.
Obele’s call comes as the pump price of petrol reaches about ₦1,500 per litre in parts of the country, further increasing pressure on households, businesses and the transportation sector.
He said restoring operations at the government-owned refineries would provide a direct intervention to address the escalating cost of petrol and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
According to the energy expert, the continued increase in fuel prices has significant implications for the cost of transportation, food, goods and services, making urgent action necessary to cushion the impact on Nigerians.
Obele urged the Federal Government and NNPCL to prioritise the rehabilitation and effective operation of the country’s refineries, arguing that domestic refining capacity remains critical to achieving greater stability in the downstream petroleum sector.
The call comes amid ongoing concerns over petrol supply and pricing in Nigeria, with motorists and businesses facing higher operating costs as fuel prices rise.
He maintained that getting government-owned refineries back to full and sustainable operations could strengthen domestic supply and provide an additional source of refined petroleum products for the Nigerian market.
The development also comes as Nigerians continue to adjust to a deregulated downstream petroleum market, where pump prices are influenced by factors including crude oil prices, exchange rates, supply costs and market conditions.
Obele therefore urged the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to restore refining capacity and ensure that Nigerians are not left to bear the full burden of rising petroleum costs.
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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