The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices on Nigerians.
The demand comes amid the ongoing US-Iran crisis, which has contributed to disruptions in global oil markets and increased fuel prices across the country.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said petrol now sells for about N1,430 per litre in major cities, with prices reaching as high as N1,500 in several states.
In a statement titled “Save the Situation Now,” Ajaero called for the payment of reasonable wage awards to workers, the sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira, and the expansion of Nigeria’s petroleum storage capacity.
He warned that rising petrol prices would worsen the cost of transportation, food, rent, school fees, and other essential goods and services.
The labour union also argued that the Federal Government should consider emergency subsidies or other interventions to protect Nigerians from the impact of the global energy crisis.
Meanwhile, fuel marketers have warned that petrol prices could rise to N2,000 per litre if international crude oil prices continue to increase.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria called for increased crude oil supply to domestic refineries and a review of taxes and other charges affecting petroleum distribution.
The NLC further raised concerns over the growing influence of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in the domestic fuel market, with its officials calling for the revival of public refineries to encourage competition and stabilise prices.
