Advocacy says fuel price could reduce if charges “layered on crude supply” are removed
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Dangote Refinery will be in pole position to reduce fuel price to N400 per litre if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) removes hidden levies and charges on the commodity when produced by the plant and other local refineries.
The Coalition for Energy Reforms and Good Governance Advocacy (CERGGA) floated the idea at the weekend, saying removing such charges would make fuel affordable for Nigerians and end the perennial hardship faced by citizens.
A statement issued in Abuja by CERGGA Executive Director Jonathan Amande described as unbearable the latest pump price increase by NNPC which triggered widespread outrage across the country, with citizens questioning what prompted the hike when petroleum is locally refined.
Amande urged the NNPC to urgently stop levies on Dangote Refinery products such as inspection fee, margin, and fee paid to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“These invisible government levies, including those from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) are unjustified and inflate the cost of locally produced fuel,” he added.
“These levies, which have no place in the local production and sale of petroleum products, prevent the Dangote Refinery from selling fuel at more affordable prices.
“Without these additional charges, some of which are layered on crude supply, local refineries could potentially sell fuel at prices as low as ₦400 per litre.”
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