From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has accused petroleum marketers of exploiting Nigerians by inflating fuel prices despite a significant drop in global crude oil prices.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, PENGASSAN President and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leader, Comrade Festus Osifo, expressed dismay that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is still selling at around N900 per litre, even though the price of crude oil has dropped to between $60 and $65 per barrel.
Osifo, addressing journalists, argued that under current international oil market conditions, Nigerians should be buying PMS at between N700 and N750 per litre.
“When crude was $80 per barrel, we were paying about N900 per litre. Now that crude has dropped to around $60, there’s no commensurate reduction in pump price. That clearly shows exploitation,” he said.
He blamed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for failing to enforce pricing regulations and transparency in the sector.
“The NMDPRA must carry out its oversight functions effectively and publish daily pricing templates. This is key to curbing abuse and protecting consumers in a deregulated environment,” he stated.
Osifo emphasized that fuel prices are primarily determined by crude oil prices and exchange rates, noting that since the exchange rate has remained relatively stable, lower crude prices should translate into lower pump prices.
“It is the duty of the regulator to ensure Nigerians are not exploited. If this trend continues, Nigerians will only bear the burden when prices go up but will never benefit when prices fall,” he warned.
The union leader also expressed frustration over the persistent shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery, calling on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to adopt the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) operational model, which he said had proven successful over time.
“We’ve advocated this for over 15 years. Government should reduce its shareholding to 49% and allow international investors with refinery expertise to manage the facilities. This will reduce inefficiencies, bureaucracy, and political interference,” Osifo proposed.
He also commented on the recent executive order by President Bola Tinubu aimed at reducing the cost of production in the upstream oil and gas sector, warning that insecurity remains a major cost driver.
“One of the main reasons international oil companies are exiting Nigeria is the prohibitive cost of securing facilities. Government must play its part and ensure oil and gas infrastructures are protected,” he said.
On the June 12 Democracy Day honours, PENGASSAN commended the posthumous recognition of late NUPENG Secretary General, Comrade Frank Kokori, by President Tinubu. Osifo, however, urged the government to also honour PENGASSAN’s past President, Comrade Gani Owodunni, and former Secretary General, Milton Dabbi, for their role in the 1994 pro-democracy struggle.
“PENGASSAN and NUPENG were proscribed because of their unwavering stand during the Abacha era. Our leaders refused to call off strikes demanding democratic reform. They were true heroes of June 12 and should be recognised,” he stated.
PENGASSAN’s calls highlight growing concerns over fuel pricing, refinery inefficiencies, and regulatory lapses, all of which continue to frustrate Nigerians already burdened by inflation and economic hardship.