Tina Amanda
The United Labour Congress ULC has frowned at the sudden increase of petrol pump price to 143 naira per litre, by the federal government.
The Rivers State Chairman of the Labour Union, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, who made this known in an interview with our correspondent Tina Amanda, said there was no need for the earlier reduction of the pump price during the covid-19 lockdown as Nigerians are yet to benefit from it.
He noted that the Oil price in the international market is still very low and does not attract an increase in fuel pump price, adding that the federal government is not telling Nigerians the truth.
“We as labour Union are very concerned over the sudden increase in petrol pump price. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, it was reduced three times when the fuel consumption was very low because everyone was locked down in their homes and there was no much vehicular movement.
“Now that government has reopened the borders, and the people are supposed to enjoy the reduction, they increased it to the normal price of one hundred and forty-three naira (143) per litre. Government is not telling us the truth behind the reduction and increment.
“Oil price is still low in the global market, just a slight increase, if the reason behind government’s initial reduction of fuel pump price was because of international Oil price dropped, has the price returned to normal globally? no it has not. There are lots of questions to be asked, what are the criteria for increasing the pump price to its original price of one hundred and forty-three naira per litre”
Comrade Alex said the increase in petrol pump price will also affect the cost of goods and services across the country.
“To be frank, during the period of the lockdown, transportation was on the high side, prices of goods and services were high too, now that there is an increase in pump price, people will begin to hike the prices of goods and services which will affect the general public.
“Now that the fuel pump price has come back to normal, you know the Nigerian mentality of doing business, people will begin to increase the price of goods and services, which will affect the public especially the vulnerable in the society”
