Through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Federal Government (FG) has implemented a 30-day petrol discount program that will give priority to public transport operators throughout Nigeria.
At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, revealed the initiative.
Oyedele emphasized that the measure should not be interpreted as a reinstatement of fuel subsidies and clarified that it was intended to provide beneficiaries with gasoline at cost.
The minister claims that public transportation will be given priority nationwide during the first 30 days of the discount.
“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 is made in light of the disparities in gas prices at NNPC stations around the nation.
According to the most recent NNPC price list, drivers in Abuja are listed as paying N1,370 per liter, while those in Lagos and Rivers pay N1,355 per liter.
Therefore, it is anticipated that during the first 30 days, public transport operators will receive some relief from the government’s most recent intervention.