By Sabiu Abdullahi
In defiance of reassurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding stable pump prices, independent marketers have hiked fuel prices to over N700 per litre in states like Sokoto and Borno.
Daily Trust reveals that a recent market survey conducted showed that in the Sokoto metropolis, independent filling stations were selling fuel between N690 and N700 per litre.
Notably, major marketers like AA Rano and Dan Marina were selling fuel at N675 per litre, while NNPC Mega stations maintained a price of N620 per litre.
In Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, fuel prices soared to N720 per litre as of yesterday.
It was reportedly observed that NNPC Mega stations, which are expected to adhere to regulated prices, had ceased dispensing fuel for over a week, sparking concerns among residents.
Car owners like Inusa Salisu, who spoke to journalists, expressed apprehension, speculating that the NNPC might be considering a price hike.
“We’ve been coming to the NNPC mega stations to buy fuel but none of them is selling. I’m afraid they are trying to increase the fuel price,” Salisu lamented.
Hassan Aliyu, another driver, also voiced his frustration over the situation, noting that most filling stations in town were selling fuel above N700 per litre.
He alleged, “And for those fuel stations where a litre costs N700, they tamper with the reading of the dispensing machine. After everything, you will realize that the fuel cost is above N750 sometimes.”
This comes despite the NNPC’s assurances not to increase the price of fuel.
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