The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over the rising pump price of petrol across the country, warning that the development is worsening economic hardship and deepening poverty among Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC said petrol now sells for about N1,430 per litre in major urban centres where the product is readily available, while prices are significantly higher in less accessible areas.
The union said the increase in fuel prices would have a ripple effect on transportation, food, school fees, rent and other essential services, further eroding workers’ wages and Nigerians’ standard of living.
According to the NLC, the latest increase comes despite earlier efforts by the government to pressure petroleum marketers to reduce pump prices in line with international crude oil prices.
The union attributed the latest surge partly to the resurgence of conflict in the Gulf region but argued that Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing country and its available refining capacity should provide some protection against external shocks.
The NLC therefore called on the Federal Government to introduce immediate measures, including reasonable wage awards for workers, the sale of sufficient crude oil in naira to local refineries and the expansion of national petroleum storage capacity.
It said such measures would help strengthen energy security, create jobs and provide an economic buffer during emergencies.
The labour union also urged the government to consider subsidising essential needs of citizens during the current crisis, arguing that emergency intervention was justified given the prevailing economic conditions.
The NLC further claimed that the government is benefiting from higher international crude prices, which it said are reportedly between 35 and 40 dollars per barrel above the budgeted benchmark, generating additional revenue.
It urged the government to deploy part of the windfall to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.
On local refining, the NLC expressed concern that some domestic refineries are importing crude oil, describing the development as inconsistent with the objective of building local refining capacity.
The union warned that the Federal Government should not allow deregulation to translate into further hardship for citizens, stressing that labour has a responsibility to speak out and take appropriate action when workers and Nigerians face worsening economic conditions.
Keywords: Petrol Price, NLC, Joe Ajaero, Fuel Subsidy, Crude Oil, Local Refineries, Economic Hardship, Nigeria Labour Congress, Energy Security, Deregulation.