Nigerians have taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) increased the pump price of fuel in the dead of night, just hours after lifting fuel from the Dangote refinery.
Many had expected the launch of the refinery to lead to a reduction in fuel prices, but the sudden price hike has left them feeling betrayed and frustrated.
“What exactly is the benefit of having this refinery if the price is still going to be high?” one netizen asked. “I thought the price should be lower since it’s refined here at no cost transporting it abroad?”
Another user exclaimed, “The refinery is as good as not having it since the price is still up! Govt of propaganda!”
The timing of the price increase, which was announced at 1:30 am on Monday morning, has also been criticized, with many accusing the government of trying to sneak it past the public.
“Why do you guys have to wait till the middle of the night before you paste your pump price?” one user asked. “This is the same logic that was used when the 2023 general election was announced.”
The price hike has also raised national questions from netizens about the welfare of Nigerian workers, who are still waiting for the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The Federal Government is yet to start paying the new minimum wage to its workers, and yet they are increasing fuel prices,” one netizen pointed out. “Those prices are still astronomically high.”
