Party says rising fuel prices are worsening hardship, faults plan to distribute 100,000 CNG kits….
The African Democratic Congress has called on the Federal Government to introduce a temporary cap on petrol prices to cushion Nigerians from the impact of rising global oil costs.
The opposition party said recent increases in fuel prices, linked to volatility in international oil markets and tensions in the Middle East, risk deepening the cost-of-living crisis facing millions of households.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC urged authorities to intervene to prevent further increases that could worsen economic hardship.
According to Abdullahi, the price of petrol has a direct effect on the cost of basic necessities across the country.
“For everyday Nigerians, petrol determines the price of food, transportation and survival. When petrol rises, everything else rises with it,” he said.
The party also criticised the Federal Government’s plan to distribute 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas conversion kits to motorists, arguing that the measure is too limited to address Nigeria’s fuel challenges.
Abdullahi noted that with more than 11 million vehicles currently operating across the country, the proposed number of conversion kits would cover less than one per cent of the total vehicle fleet.
“A policy that touches only a fraction of vehicles cannot meaningfully address a national fuel crisis,” he said.
He further pointed out that the limited number of CNG refuelling stations nationwide raises additional concerns about accessibility for motorists who may wish to adopt the alternative fuel system.
The ADC therefore urged the Federal Government to adopt a broader and more comprehensive energy strategy that would shield Nigerians from extreme fluctuations in fuel prices.
Abdullahi added that as an oil-producing nation, Nigeria should not allow petrol prices to continue pushing millions of citizens deeper into economic hardship.
About the Author
