FG denies increase of petrol pump price

The Federal Government says it has not approved any increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, made this known via a statement issued on Friday.

Sylva said President Muhammadu Buhari has not approved increase in the pump price of petrol.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has not approved any increase in the price of PMS or any other petroleum product for that matter.

“There is no reason for the President to renege on his earlier promise not to approve any increase in the price of PMS at this time.

“Mr President is sensitive to the plight of the ordinary Nigerian, and has said repeatedly that he understands the challenges of the ordinary Nigerian and would not want to cause untold hardship for the electorate.

“Government will not approve any increase of PMS secretly without due consultations with the relevant stakeholders,” the minister said.

He said President Buhari had not directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) or any agency to increase the price of fuel.

Sylva stressed that this is not the time for any price increase in pump price of petrol.

The minister noted that what was playing out was the handiwork of mischief makers and those planning to discredit the achievements of the President in the oil and gas sector of the economy.

“I appeal to Nigerians to remain calm and law abiding as the government is working hard to bring normalcy to fuel supply and distribution in the country,” he added.

However, petroleum marketers in Abuja, Lagos, and other parts of the country are currently selling petrol between N195 to N280 per litre.

Some motorists and consumers have decried the difficulties occassioned by the current fuel scarcity in the country.

The Star