{
  "id": 4972350,
  "title": "NLC rejects petrol price hike, demands more crude for refineries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/nlc-rejects-petrol-price-hike-demands-more-crude-for-refineries",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-02T00:26:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nlc-rejects-petrol-price-hike-demands-more-crude-for-refineries/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigeria Labour Congress has harshly criticized the latest petrol price hike, deeming it \"avoidable and unacceptable.\" Acting General Secretary Benson Upah questioned why the federal government hasn't ensured Dangote Petroleum Refinery receives enough Nigerian crude. Upah warned that this decision will exacerbate the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians, especially workers and low-income households. He described the situation as \"Hobbesian,\" reflecting the dire state of life for many. Upah argued that the price increase is unjustifiable, considering the declining international oil market prices and Nigeria's ability to supply more crude to Dangote. The Dangote refinery recently raised its petrol prices by N65 per litre, after three other adjustments in just eight days, totaling an 8.6% increase. This price rise has had a ripple effect on the downstream market, with petrol prices fluctuating across the country. The situation is particularly sensitive for Nigerians still recovering from the removal of petrol subsidies in 2023. The subsidy removal exposed consumers to fluctuations in crude oil prices, foreign exchange rates, and other market costs. The Dangote refinery, which can process 650,000 barrels of crude daily, has been pushing for greater access to domestic crude at competitive prices. However, the refinery has been receiving only around 52.6 million barrels, instead of the required 63 million barrels. This discrepancy raises concerns about the domestic crude supply, the refinery's pricing, commercial terms, quality, transportation, and delivery arrangements.",
  "summary": "The NLC condemns the latest petrol price hike as unacceptable, demanding the Federal Government supply more Nigerian crude to local refineries to stabilize Read More: https://punchng.com/nlc-rejects-petrol-price-hike-demands-more-crude-for-refineries/",
  "key_points": [
    "NLC rejects petrol price hike, calls for more crude for refineries",
    "Acting General Secretary Benson Upah criticizes lack of Nigerian crude for Dangote",
    "Price increase exacerbates economic hardships for Nigerians"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Nigeria Labour Congress's rejection of the petrol price hike signals a heightened confrontation with the government over economic policies that exacerbate hardship for workers and low-income households.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "NLC rejects petrol price hike, demands more crude for refineries",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/nlc-rejects-petrol-price-hike-demands-more-crude-for-refineries-4973027",
        "published": "2026-09-02T00:30:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}