Rivers State Residents Unhappy with NNPC’s Petrol Discount Program

Motorists and commuters in Rivers State are unhappy with a recent petrol discount program announced by the Federal Government. They say the initiative has not led to lower fuel prices or transportation costs.

A visit to a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) filling station on East-West Road revealed that petrol was still priced at about N1,383 per litre, showing no significant drop. Last month, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele introduced a 30-day discount plan aimed at helping Nigerians cope with rising fuel costs.

Oyedele explained that public transport operators would receive priority and that NNPC would temporarily sell petrol at cost, without its usual profit margin. He emphasized that this was not a return to the subsidy system that was removed in May 2023.

However, many transport operators and commuters in Port Harcourt have criticized the plan. Transporter Promise Wali pointed out that limiting the discount to NNPC stations does not help those who rely on private filling stations. He said, “The hardship is too much. The discount has not solved anything.”

Tricycle operator Amadi Chibuzor echoed this sentiment, stating he has not seen any reduction in fuel prices or transportation fares. Another driver, Azubuike Chinda, noted the confusion caused by varying petrol prices at different stations, making it hard to see where the discount is applied.

A commuter also shared her frustration, saying that transportation fares have actually increased by N200 to N500, despite the announced discount. She mentioned that passengers are still struggling with high costs and have had to plead with drivers to lower fares.