The Nigeria Labour Congress has urged the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures to cushion the effect of the rising petrol prices on households and businesses.

In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC said petrol currently sells for about N1,430 per litre in major cities, with prices climbing higher in some less accessible areas.

The labour union called for reasonable wage awards for workers, the sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira and an expansion of the country’s petroleum storage capacity. It also said government intervention, including temporary subsidies, should not be ruled out during an emergency.

Petrol prices were reported at about N1,500 per litre in Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba and Zamfara, while several other states recorded prices ranging between N1,350 and N1,480.

The rising fuel costs have also pushed up transportation fares in some areas, with commuters and motorists reporting increased pressure on household expenses.

Fuel marketers have similarly called for government intervention, warning that petrol prices could rise to N2,000 per litre if international crude oil prices continue to increase.

The latest surge followed an increase in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s petrol gantry price from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre on September 12. This represents the refinery’s fourth upward price adjustment since August 21.

The NLC attributed the latest petrol price surge partly to renewed conflict in the Gulf, stressing that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, should have measures to shield citizens from international oil market shocks.

The union also expressed concern over the reported importation of crude by some domestic refineries, arguing that such developments could undermine efforts to strengthen local refining capacity.

The latest increase comes amid Nigeria’s deregulated downstream petroleum market, where pump prices are influenced by international crude prices, foreign exchange rates, logistics and supply costs.