No 5% Petrol Tax Plan, Oyedele Says, Amid Public Concerns

No 5% Petrol Tax Plan, Oyedele Says, Amid Public Concerns

 

The Federal Government has no plan to introduce a new tax on petrol, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has said, dismissing reports that the administration of President Bola Tinubu intends to impose a five per cent levy on petroleum products.

Oyedele clarified the issue in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, insisting that a fuel tax was not being considered by the government.

“In my interview with ARISE News, I was clear: a fuel tax is not on the table,” he said.

His statement follows reports linking him to the proposed five per cent tax, which sparked concerns about a possible increase in the cost of petrol amid Nigeria’s persistent cost-of-living crisis.

Petrol prices have remained a major driver of transportation and distribution costs since the removal of the fuel subsidy, contributing to higher prices of food and other essential goods and services.

The prospect of an additional levy had raised fears that households and businesses could face further financial pressure.

However, Oyedele’s clarification indicates that the Federal Government is not currently considering the proposed fuel tax, amid broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system and strengthen public finances.