ABUJA — Concern is mounting over the wide disparity in the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across different parts of Nigeria, with the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) calling for urgent intervention by the Federal Government.
The Guild raised the alarm after monitoring PMS prices during its ongoing working tour across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Findings from the monitoring exercise revealed significant differences in pump prices from one state to another.
In Benue State, petrol was observed selling between ₦1,600 and ₦1,750 per litre, while several filling stations monitored in Kano State were closed. Some outlets dispensing the product sold it for approximately ₦1,550 per litre.
In Enugu State, the prevailing pump price was reported at about ₦1,470 per litre, while in Delta State, petrol was observed selling at approximately ₦1,450 per litre.
GOMEP-NG said the price variations were concerning because the cost of petrol has a direct impact on transportation fares, food prices, business operations and the overall cost of living.
The Guild therefore urged the Federal Government and relevant regulatory authorities to urgently investigate the factors responsible for the disparities and take appropriate steps to ensure that consumers are not subjected to unjustified price increases.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s policy of removing the PMS subsidy and its stated objective of allowing market forces to determine petroleum prices, GOMEP-NG stressed the importance of transparency, effective regulation and sustained monitoring of the downstream petroleum sector.
According to the Guild, continued and unexplained increases in petrol prices could also affect public perception of the government’s economic policies, including the subsidy removal policy.
GOMEP-NG consequently called on the government, regulatory agencies and petroleum industry stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring transparent petroleum pricing, adequate product supply and a competitive downstream market that protects consumers.
The Guild said it would continue monitoring developments in the petroleum sector across the country while advocating policies that promote consumer protection, economic stability and greater transparency in the downstream petroleum industry.
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