The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to introduce urgent measures to cushion workers and households from the impact of rising petrol prices, which have reached about ₦1,430 per litre in some major cities.

The labour organisation also urged the government to provide wage awards for workers, make sufficient crude oil available to local refineries through naira-based transactions and expand the country’s petroleum storage capacity.

The demands were contained in a statement by NLC President Joe Ajaero, who expressed concern over the rising cost of petrol and its effect on the purchasing power and living conditions of Nigerians.

Ajaero said petrol prices were around ₦1,430 per litre in some major urban centres, while consumers in areas where the product is less accessible were reportedly paying more.

He warned that rising transportation costs could trigger increases in the prices of food, rent, school fees, tariffs and other essential goods and services.

NLC Seeks Emergency Measures

The labour union said the latest increase in petrol prices was partly linked to renewed conflict in the Gulf and its potential effect on international energy markets.

However, the NLC argued that Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing country, combined with its growing domestic refining capacity, should provide some protection against external market shocks.

Ajaero called on the Federal Government to establish measures that would provide a buffer for households and businesses during periods of significant increases in fuel costs.

The union specifically requested reasonable wage awards for workers, adequate crude supplies to local refineries in naira and an expansion of national petroleum storage capacity.

According to the NLC, the measures could help cushion the immediate impact of higher fuel prices while also supporting employment, economic activity and energy security.

Labour Calls for Support During Crisis

The NLC also argued that government intervention, including subsidies or other forms of support, should not be ruled out during emergencies.

Ajaero said temporary intervention could be justified when citizens face severe economic pressure arising from sudden increases in energy costs.

The union further claimed that the Federal Government was benefiting from higher international crude prices, which it said were significantly above the benchmark used in the 2026 budget.

The NLC argued that such additional revenue could provide room for measures designed to protect citizens from the effects of rising fuel costs. This remains the union’s assessment of the government’s fiscal position.

Concerns Over Crude Supply to Local Refineries

The labour organisation also raised concerns about the reported importation of crude oil by some domestic refineries.

Ajaero questioned why local refineries would need to source crude from outside the country when Nigeria is an oil-producing nation with increasing domestic refining capacity.

The NLC therefore called for sufficient crude to be made available to local refineries in naira as part of efforts to strengthen domestic refining and reduce exposure to international market volatility.

The union also called for expanded petroleum storage capacity to improve the country’s ability to respond to future supply disruptions and energy emergencies.

The latest demands come amid continued fluctuations in petrol prices and concerns about the wider effect of fuel costs on transportation, household expenses and business operations.

The NLC said the Federal Government should take immediate steps to protect workers and other Nigerians from the effects of the latest increase.