Petrol Price Hits ₦1,430 as NLC Demands Wage Awards and Emergency Relief

The rising cost of petrol has triggered fresh concerns across Nigeria, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene as petrol prices climb to about ₦1,430 per litre in some major cities. The labour union says the increase is placing additional pressure on workers and households already struggling with high transportation and living costs. In some parts of the country, reports indicate that petrol is now selling for as much as ₦1,500 per litre. The NLC made its position known in a statement titled “Save the Situation Now,” signed by its President, Joe Ajaero. According to the union, the latest increase in petrol prices could have consequences far beyond the filling station. Higher fuel costs usually translate into increased transport fares, which can then affect the prices of food, rent, school expenses and other essential services. The labour body is asking the Federal Government to introduce reasonable wage awards for workers to help cushion the impact of the rising cost of living. The NLC also wants the government to ensure that sufficient crude oil is supplied to local refineries in naira. It argued that strengthening domestic refining and expanding petroleum storage capacity would help Nigeria respond better to future disruptions in the international oil market. The union further maintained that government intervention should not be ruled out during an emergency, arguing that temporary support could help protect households and businesses from severe energy-price shocks. The latest increase comes amid continuing volatility in the international oil market. The NLC linked the recent pressure partly to renewed conflict in the Gulf and argued that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country with local refining capacity, should have stronger measures for protecting citizens from external shocks. The labour organisation also raised concerns about the supply of crude to domestic refineries, saying that relying on imported crude despite Nigeria’s oil-producing status undermines the country’s drive to build stronger local refining capacity. For ordinary Nigerians, the major concern remains how higher petrol prices will affect daily expenses. As transportation becomes more expensive, households may face another round of pressure on their already stretched incomes. The NLC is therefore urging the Federal Government to act quickly, with wage awards, stronger domestic refinery supply and increased petroleum storage among the measures it says could provide relief. For now, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the government will respond to the labour union’s demands as petrol prices continue to fluctuate across the country.