Index to Nigerian Newspapers

ATLAS Core Energy and Logistics Limited is constructing a compressed natural gas refuelling station in Oyo State, in collaboration with the Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Service under a 20-year public-private partnership. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and operational by January 2026, this project aims to enhance clean energy transition, improve transportation reliability, and support Governor Seyi Makinde’s initiatives for energy security and lower fuel costs. Dikko Salami, Sole Administrator of Pacesetter Transport Service, highlighted the affordability of compressed natural gas compared to traditional fuels and its significance in reducing operational delays. The new station will serve as a service hub for residents and businesses, reflecting a commitment to sustainable energy infrastructure. Emmanuel Owoade, Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Core Energy, emphasized the project's potential for creating jobs, enhancing local expertise, and aid economic opportunities in Oyo State.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its wholesale price for petrol to N820 per litre, marking a N20 drop from its previous price of N840. This is the second reduction in a single week, bringing the total price cut to N60; 6.82 percent from its earlier high of N880. According to Dangote Group spokesperson Anthony Chiejina, the company lowered the price to make fuel more affordable for Nigerians. This price drop comes shortly after a brief period where Dangote, the NNPC, and other distributors had hiked fuel prices due to rising global crude oil costs triggered by conflicts between Israel and Iran. Now that those geopolitical tensions have eased and crude oil prices have fallen below $70 a barrel, fuel prices are starting to drop. Consequently, filling stations in places like Lagos and Ogun States have already begun selling petrol for less than N900 per litre, with prices ranging between N875 and N890, and a small drop in pump prices is expected across the country.

Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure in Nigeria at the inauguration of a new substation in Gombe State. This project aims to connect the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park to the national grid, improving power access for local industries and communities. The collaboration between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company and the Gombe State Government is projected to create over 3,000 jobs. Adighije also addressed electricity supply issues in the Rigasa community, promising urgent attention to their challenges following a tower collapse linked to vandalism. The entire initiative emphasizes the critical role of resilient energy solutions in supporting national development and economic growth.

The Nigeria Labour Congress criticized the recent spike in fuel prices as insensitive to the masses, arguing that the government fails to consult stakeholders or involve citizens in alternative transportation initiatives. While labor officials blamed oil marketers for exploiting consumers and manipulating prices, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery defended its pricing adjustments by pointing to rising global crude oil costs and increased shipping expenses, noting that it actually absorbed a significant portion of the international market hikes to keep domestic retail rates lower. Meanwhile, independent petroleum retailers and marketers rejected the accusations, explaining that fuel prices fluctuate based on external market forces such as international crude prices and exchange rates rather than deliberate manipulation by vendors.