The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has clarified that its 30-day petrol discount does not introduce a uniform pump price nationwide or reverse Nigeria’s market-based petroleum pricing policy.
In a statement on Friday, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said the initiative was a temporary customer-relief measure scheduled to run until October 31, 2026.
NNPC said the discount was introduced on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and later extended to provide relief amid rising global crude oil prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
“This discount is a customer relief initiative and does not represent the reintroduction of petroleum subsidy,” the company said.
The national oil company stressed that the offer applied to its retail outlets and did not amount to a government-mandated price reduction across the country. Petrol prices can therefore continue to vary between locations and retailers under the existing market-based system.
NNPC urged Nigerians to disregard claims that the initiative signalled a return to fuel subsidy, maintaining that the programme was designed to ease the pressure of higher petrol prices without changing the commercial principles governing its operations.
The company acknowledged the impact of rising fuel costs on household budgets, commuting expenses and business operations.
“We recognise that higher petrol prices affect everyday life, from the cost of commuting to the expenses of running a business. We understand the strain on families and livelihoods, and this discount is intended to provide direct relief to customers during this difficult period,” the statement said.
NNPC added that it would continue working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to support efforts to reduce the effects of higher energy costs while maintaining reliable fuel supplies and responsible customer service across its retail network.
The clarification comes amid public concern over petrol prices and their knock-on effects on transportation, distribution costs and the prices of essential goods.
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