As Nigerians grapple with yet another surge in petrol prices, key industry players and economic analysts are voicing deep concerns over the potential fallout.
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has warned that the price hike could severely disrupt the country’s economic stability and further diminish the purchasing power of Nigerians.
In a statement, NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, outlined the dangers of the price increase:
“The announced increase in the price of petrol, notwithstanding the justification, has the potential to further erode the purchasing power of Nigerians while putting more pressure on both organized and unorganized businesses.
“Petrol remains the predominant source of energy for many sectors, including transportation and household uses.
“This new increase will distort the cash flow potential of many, erode the real value of the minimum wage, and likely increase the general cost of living.”
This sentiment was echoed by Clifford Egbomeade, an Economic Analyst and Communications Expert, who highlighted the implications of the price hike, saying: “One immediate consequence will be the increased cost of living. Transportation and logistics, which rely heavily on fuel, will see a surge in costs, driving up the prices of goods and services across the country.
“This will put additional financial pressure on Nigerians, particularly those already struggling with inflation. Industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, which depend on fuel, may face reduced output, layoffs, or even closures in extreme cases.”
The impact on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is a particular concern, given that rising operational costs could cripple businesses already operating under challenging conditions.
For many Nigerians, the new fuel price, now at over N1,030 per litre in some areas, spells even higher daily expenses, further stretching household budgets.
David Adonri, Analyst and Executive Vice Chairman at Highcap Securities Limited, voiced his shock at the reversal of rumours suggesting a potential price reduction, stating:
“There was hearsay that the government was trying to reduce the price of fuel, and to my greatest shock, today the opposite is happening. This is another recipe for a hike in the inflation rate.”
Economists have already predicted inflationary pressures, with the cost of essential goods expected to rise as transportation and production costs skyrocket.
The current situation threatens to deepen the economic disparity in the country, exacerbating the challenges many Nigerians are already facing.
The public’s frustration is evident, with long queues forming at petrol stations and growing discontent across social media platforms.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the government faces mounting pressure to provide relief or risk social unrest.
Egbomeade warns that the political ramifications could be significant:
“This could have political ramifications, as pressure mounts on the government to either provide immediate relief or risk facing protests and unrest.
“The situation reflects the delicate balance between pursuing economic reforms and managing the social consequences of those changes.”