President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate rollout of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits nationwide to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on motorists and commuters.
The directive follows renewed pressure on petrol prices amid volatility in the global oil market linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Motorists in Abuja are currently buying petrol at between ₦1,260 and ₦1,280 per litre, reflecting differences in pump prices across filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory. The increase has also pushed up transportation fares in several urban centres, adding to the financial burden on commuters who depend largely on road transport.
The President’s directive was disclosed by Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), after a meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja.
Ahmed said the federal government is closely tracking developments in the international oil market and assessing how the Middle East conflict could influence domestic fuel and transport costs.
According to him, the President instructed the Pi-CNG programme to accelerate the rollout of alternative energy solutions to reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on petrol.
“The President is keenly following developments in the Middle East and the rising cost of petrol and diesel. He asked what we are doing at Pi-CNG to expand access to gas nationwide so that Nigerians can enjoy lower transportation costs,” Ahmed said.
He explained that the conversion kits will allow vehicle owners, including commercial tricycle operators, to modify their engines to run on compressed natural gas.
Ahmed added that deployment of the 100,000 conversion kits is expected within the next two to three weeks, noting that conversion centres across the country will expand operations once distribution begins.
Government Expands CNG Infrastructure Nationwide
Ahmed further disclosed that the government is scaling up the infrastructure required to support gas-powered mobility. At present, about 77 CNG refuelling stations are at different stages of development nationwide.
He explained that the rollout of these facilities will prioritise major transportation corridors across the country.
Ahmed also noted that several automobile manufacturers have expressed interest in setting up vehicle assembly operations in Nigeria, a development expected to boost local industrial capacity and create employment opportunities.
In addition, the Pi-CNG programme is working with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy solar-powered charging stations capable of supporting electric vehicles, particularly in communities not connected to the national grid.
Fuel Prices Vary Across Major Cities
Checks by THISDAY show that petrol prices continue to vary across major Nigerian cities as supply conditions, distribution costs, and logistics factors influence pump prices.
In Lagos, petrol currently sells between ₦1,200 and ₦1,300 per litre at many filling stations. However, a Total filling station on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, was observed selling at about ₦1,149 per litre, one of the lowest prices recorded.
Other outlets reported varying rates. NNPC stations on Governor Road in Ikotun and an AP outlet along Idimu–Ikotun Road sold petrol at around ₦1,250 per litre. Petrocam in Ejigbo dispensed at ₦1,200, while DB Petroleum on the Ikotun–Ejigbo corridor sold at about ₦1,300 per litre.
MRS stations in the same area sold at roughly ₦1,230, while an NNPC station at Egbeda bus stop sold at approximately ₦1,240 per litre.
Further checks showed NIPCO at Dopemu on the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway selling petrol at ₦1,244, while an AP retail outlet on Oba Akran, Ikeja, dispensed at about ₦1,234 per litre. The Northwest filling station at Maryland bus stop sold at roughly ₦1,235 per litre.
In Rivers State, pump prices have also increased sharply in recent days. While petrol sold for about ₦800 per litre last Saturday, prices rose to between ₦1,005 and ₦1,095 by Sunday.
Checks across stations in Port Harcourt, including Restopark, NNPC, Nelly Valley, Peterkins, and Conoil, indicated pump prices ranging between ₦1,255 and ₦1,385 per litre, prompting commercial drivers to adjust transport fares.
Similarly, in Kano, petrol was observed selling at around ₦1,350 per litre, while NNPC retail outlets sold at about ₦1,240 per litre.
An official of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) attributed the price fluctuations to supply dynamics, logistics costs, and movements in global crude oil prices.