Fuel Price Hike Sparks Concerns in Kwara State

Residents of Kwara State are facing challenges due to arbitrary fuel price increases by petrol filling stations.

Reports indicate that filling stations now dispense fuel at various prices, ranging from N580 to N715 per litre, depending on the point of sale. While NNPC sells at N580 per litre, major marketers like Total Energies sell fuel at N625.

Independent marketers, on the other hand, dispense their products at between N710 and N715 per litre.

Motorists in Ilorin expressed dismay over the arbitrary pump prices, questioning why such practices are allowed by regulatory bodies without consequences.

The situation has led to an increase in tariffs for Keke NAPEP, Okada, and commercial cab operators in the state capital.

Interstate and inter-city transporters have also complained about the hike in fuel prices on their routes, which has resulted in increased costs for passengers.

Abdullateef Azeez, a driver on the Ilorin-Omu Aran route, revealed purchasing fuel at N1,200 per litre in Omu Aran and N900 in Ajasse-Ipo, even without passengers to cover the cost.

Tajudeen Balogun, a manager at an independent filling station in Ilorin, attributed the price hike to a decrease in fuel stock, leading to increased demand.

He mentioned that the situation could improve in the next few weeks or towards the end of the year, especially with the anticipated production and distribution by Dangote Refinery, which is expected to alleviate the pressure on NNPC as the major importer of petrol.