The Federal Government has announced a 30-day discount on petrol sold by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, with public transport operators to receive priority under the arrangement
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing on petrol prices and subsidy-related issues in Abuja
Oyedele said the measure was not a return to petrol subsidy, explaining that the government would instead allow NNPCL to sell the product at cost during the period
He said the discount would initially run for 30 days, with public transport operators prioritised nationwide
“We are offering a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for the next 30 days in the first instance with priority for public transporters nationwide So, it’s not a subsidy; the government is just saying we sell to you at cost,” Oyedele said.
The announcement comes amid variations in petrol prices at NNPCL stations across the country
According to NNPCL’s latest reported price list, petrol sells for N1,355 per litre in Lagos and Rivers states, while the pump price in Abuja is listed at N1,370 per litre
The government’s latest intervention is expected to provide some relief to public transport operators and other beneficiaries during the 30-day period