Operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery depot have been brought to a standstill as independent petroleum marketers suspended loading activities in protest over a sudden hike in product prices—the second in less than a week.
The marketers, who arrived from more than five states to lift petroleum products, expressed anger over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s failure to supply products despite their bookings made months in advance.
According to them the pump price was initially raised from ₦935 to ₦980 per litre, but they were shocked when officials demanded an additional payment, pushing the new price to ₦1,130 per litre.
The marketers lamented that while they were denied access to products, NNPCL retail outlets continued to receive uninterrupted supplies from the same depot. They accused the company of unfair treatment and financial insensitivity, noting that many had funds tied up without any product to show for it.
They are demanding an immediate return to the previously agreed price of ₦980 per litre and permission to load their already paid-for products at that rate. They have vowed not to resume operations until the issue is resolved.
