By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have clarified that the claims made by different individuals and groups regarding the purported reinstatement of petrol subsidy are inaccurate.
Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) has emphasized the delicate nature of the fuel subsidy issue, while acknowledging that the government has already stated its stance on the matter.
He said, “I don’t want to delve into that issue. It is a very sensitive issue. It is better we get all the facts. As far as I’m concerned, the President removed the subsidy and it remains removed till today. Anybody who is saying that subsidy is being paid, it is left for the person to bring the facts and then we will talk about them.”
When questioned if the current petrol price is influenced by market dynamics, the minister responded: “While it may not be solely influenced by market forces, let us focus on addressing the current price.
“Every government has a duty to do certain things, not only in the petroleum sector but in several other sectors, to be able to cushion the effect and burden on Nigerians.”
Olufemi Soneye, NNPC Ltd’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer also emphasized that the national oil company has ceased subsidizing petrol.
He said, “We are recovering our full costs from the products we import. It is important to emphasise that the subsidy is no longer in place. Contrary to allegations, the petrol subsidy has not been reinstated.”