The Nigeria Labour Congress has condemned the latest increase in petrol prices. The union described the increase as “avoidable and unacceptable” and questioned why more Nigerian crude cannot be made available to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery
The NLC’s acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the latest increase would further worsen the economic pressure facing workers and low-income households.
These households are already struggling with rising transportation, food and other living costs.
“The latest increase is avoidable and unacceptable in light of falling prices in the international market and our local capacity to sell more crude oil to Dangote. Why are we not doing so?” he said.
Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price Again
The reaction followed another increase in the petrol gantry price by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery raised its price by N65 per litre, from N1,200 to N1,265. The adjustment came only days after an increase from N1,185 to N1,200.
The refinery had earlier raised its price from N1,165 to N1,185 on August 21.
In total, the three increases added N100 to the gantry price within eight days. This represents an increase of about 8.6 per cent.
The impact has already spread across the downstream market. Retail prices now vary depending on transportation and distribution costs.
Petrol has been reported at around N1,310 per litre in parts of Lagos and Ogun. Prices in some northern locations have risen to N1,350 and above.
In some areas, the price is approaching N1,400.
Questions Over Nigeria’s Refining Strategy
The development has renewed questions about whether Nigeria’s growing domestic refining capacity is translating into meaningful relief for consumers.
The Dangote refinery, with a capacity of about 650,000 barrels per day, was expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
It was also expected to strengthen domestic supply.
However, access to sufficient Nigerian crude has remained a contentious issue.
Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that producers offered 68.1 million barrels of crude to the Dangote refinery in the second quarter of 2026.
This was against the refinery’s stated requirement of 63 million barrels.
The refinery ultimately accepted 52.6 million barrels.
The figures show that the domestic crude supply debate is more complicated than simply measuring how much crude is available.
Pricing, quality, commercial terms, transportation and delivery arrangements can all affect whether an offered volume becomes an actual transaction.
Higher Petrol Prices Put Pressure on Nigerians
For Nigerians, however, the central concern remains the price at the pump.
The removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023 fundamentally changed Nigeria’s fuel pricing system. Consumers are now exposed to fluctuations in crude prices, foreign exchange and other market costs.
Higher petrol prices also have consequences far beyond filling stations.
Transportation becomes more expensive. Businesses face higher operating costs. The cost of moving food and other goods across the country also increases.
This is why the latest increase has generated renewed pressure on the government.
Nigeria’s crude resources and growing refining capacity must work together more effectively.
Making Domestic Refining Work for Nigerians
Domestic refining was expected to make the petroleum market more resilient.
For that promise to become meaningful, crude supply must be predictable. Commercial arrangements must also be transparent, while refiners must be able to operate efficiently.
The ultimate test of Nigeria’s refining revolution will not simply be how much crude is processed locally.
It will be whether ordinary Nigerians eventually experience a more stable and sustainable petrol market.
