Refineries and stakeholders in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have shed light on the reasons why petrol prices remain above N1,000 per litre, despite the commencement of production at the Dangote and Port Harcourt Refineries.
Data from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) on December 5, 2024, showed that the landing cost of a litre of imported petrol was N958.89, while petrol from the Dangote Refinery was priced at N970/litre.
Refined petrol from the Port Harcourt Refining Company reached N1,030/litre, underscoring the higher cost of locally refined products.
Punch reports that Eche Idoko the Publicity Secretary of Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) lamented the impact of jetty fees and other charges being levied in dollars.
He said:
Idoko called on the Federal Government to stop charging in dollars while asking that the fees be reviewed to help reduce the cost of PMS locally.
An official of the Dangote refinery, who pleaded anonymity confirmed that the federal government charges local petrol in dollars and hope the rates can be in naira to bring about cheaper petrol.
Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) expressed concern that the price of petrol will remain high.
PENGASSAN noted that the commencement of production by the Dangote and Port Harcourt Refineries will not have much effect on petrol prices since the exchange rate is still very high.
The group highlighted that the exchange rate plays a significant role in determining the pricing of petrol at filling stations.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
