Mohammed Shosanya
Dr. Jonathan Amande,
Executive Director,Coalition for Energy Reforms and Good Governance Advocacy, has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company LTD (NNPCL) to remove hidden levies and charges on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) locally sourced from Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a first step towards making the product affordable for Nigerians and ending the worsening misery of citizens.
Its position was against the backdrop of recent increase in the pump prices of petrol, which has caused widespread outrage among Nigerians, who are questioning the increasing cost of the product when it is being locally refined.
Dr. Amande in a statement on Sunday, noted that “removing hidden levies on petrol sourced from Dangote Refinery has become imperative, alleging that certain persons have now resorted to making money through secret levies on petrol, with the active collusion of NNPCL.
The group called on NNPCL to urgently eliminate hidden charges on fuel prices from the Dangote Refinery, stating that these levies have been added to the premium, inspection fee, and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority fee that were publicly declared.
“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, Dr. Amande stated.
He added that 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 the crude supply, local refineries could potentially sell fuel at prices as low as ₦400 per litre,” the Coalition asserted.
The group called for a comprehensive review of all levies imposed on locally refined petroleum products along the entire value chain, while urging the Federal Government to reveal the true impact of these levies to Nigerians.
The Coalition stressed that removing them would significantly reduce fuel prices and alleviate the financial burden on the masses.
The group also noted that transparency and fairness in fuel pricing are crucial for the country’s economic well-being.
