By Muhammad Mamman
A major Nigerian refinery has announced a fresh cut in diesel prices, a move senior officials say is aimed at easing transportation costs ahead of the busy Christmas travel season.
According to top industry sources, the refinery introduced the reduction to cushion the financial burden on millions of Nigerians who journey across the country during the holidays to reunite with family.
In a statement, the company said the new pricing reflects its “commitment to make the season memorable for citizens and reduce cost pressures on road transport operators.”
Industry insiders note that the latest adjustment—one in a series of recent price reviews—marks the final collapse of the longstanding marketers’ consortium that once coordinated bulk fuel purchases nationwide. With the refinery now expanding its national distribution network, individual marketers are able to buy directly, paving the way for faster price changes and wider market coverage.
The company emphasised that the reduction serves both economic and social objectives. With interstate travel expected to surge in the weeks leading to Christmas and the New Year, the lower gantry price is projected to translate into reduced pump prices, especially in the North and South-East, where transport and logistics costs typically spike during the festivities.
Officials added that more price refinements could follow as the refinery boosts production in preparation for its next expansion phase.
