PDP condemns N617 per litre fuel price as exorbitant; calls for reduction to N150

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for imposing an exorbitant pump price of N617 per litre on petrol, stating that such an increase is tantamount to extortion of the Nigerian people.

According to the PDP, the reasonable and fair price for fuel should not exceed N150 per litre. The party accuses Tinubu’s government of demonstrating extreme insensitivity and callousness towards the welfare of Nigerians by implementing this exorbitant rate.

Expressing concern over the already strained economic situation under the APC government, the PDP warns that the continued fuel price hike could exacerbate the crisis further and potentially lead to a serious nationwide turmoil if left unchecked.

In a statement released by PDP’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, the party expresses disappointment in the APC administration for neglecting its duty to safeguard the well-being of Nigerians, which is a fundamental responsibility of the government as enshrined in Section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Instead, the government seems to have abdicated its responsibilities and allowed market forces and exploitative entities to dictate the fate of the citizens — a behavior that reflects a lack of accountability to the people.

Ologunagba said: “The PDP is alarmed that with its ill-thought out, badly planned and hurriedly-executed policies, the APC is running Nigeria’s economy aground with the value of naira rapidly plummeting, businesses and production shutting down; citizens losing their means of livelihood, commercial and social activities crippled, with millions of families no longer able to afford their daily needs as the costs of food, medication and other essential goods and services continue to skyrocket.

“The present dire situation comes as a consequence of APC’s insensitivity, seething corruption, scandalous cluelessness and lack of capacity to effectively steady and manage the nation’s economy.

“Our Party insists that the N617 per litre of fuel is excessive, unacceptable and cannot be justified under any guise. This is especially given the economic potential and prospects within our country.

“Even with the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, the PDP maintains that with a deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, national comparative advantage and expanded value chain in refining capacity, fuel should not sell for more than N150 per litre in Nigeria.”