The price of petrol has risen significantly in several parts of Northern Nigeria, with motorists in some communities now paying up to N1,850 for a litre.
The latest increases have raised concerns about the effect of higher fuel costs on transportation, food prices and the general cost of living.
Mubi records highest reported price
Mubi in Adamawa State has recorded the highest price cited, with petrol reportedly selling for as much as N1,850 per litre.
Other northern markets have also witnessed sharp increases, with prices ranging from about N1,500 to N1,700 per litre.
In Damaturu, Yobe State, petrol is reportedly selling between N1,500 and N1,520 per litre, while prices in parts of Kano, Sokoto and Borno have reached around N1,500.
Some locations in Taraba have recorded prices between N1,500 and N1,700 per litre.
Meanwhile, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, Plateau and Bauchi have also recorded petrol prices above N1,400 per litre.
The increases appear more pronounced in the North than in some southern locations. In Lagos, petrol is selling for around N1,380 to N1,390 per litre, while some filling stations in Ogun State are charging about N1,410.
Some outlets on the outskirts of Abuja have also pushed their prices above N1,400 per litre.
Dangote Refinery increases gantry price
The latest retail price increases followed another adjustment by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery raised its petrol gantry price from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre, effective September 12.
This represents an increase of N185, or approximately 15.9%, from the N1,165 per litre price recorded on August 21.
Since then, the refinery’s gantry price has been adjusted through N1,185, N1,200 and N1,265 before reaching the latest N1,350 level.
Petroleum marketers have expressed concern that additional increases could occur if international crude oil prices remain high, particularly amid uncertainty in the global oil market linked to the escalating US-Iran conflict.
Marketers call for government action
Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Publicity Secretary Chinedu Ukadike said local petrol prices would continue to be influenced by movements in crude oil prices.
He called on the Federal Government to consider making crude available to domestic refineries at prices slightly below international market levels.
Ukadike also advocated a review of some statutory charges associated with the distribution of petroleum products, according to a Daily Sun report.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has similarly appealed for urgent measures to address the rising cost of petrol.
NLC President Joe Ajaero called for interventions including wage support, increased crude supply to domestic refineries in naira and expanded petroleum storage capacity across the country.
Higher petrol prices push up transport fares
The impact of the fuel-price increases is already being felt by commuters in some northern states.
Commercial tricycle operators in Kano have reportedly raised fares by roughly 50% on some routes, while transport costs have also increased in parts of Benue State.
The development could have broader implications for the North, where road transportation plays an important role in moving agricultural produce and other commodities between communities and markets.
With petrol now exceeding N1,500 per litre in several locations, rising fuel costs could continue to put pressure on transportation expenses and, in turn, the prices consumers pay for food and other essential goods.
