No increase in petrol price in near future – APC

Amid speculations of an imminent fuel price hike, the All Progressive Congress has said the pump price of petrol will not be increased in the near future.

John Akpanudoedehe, Secretary of the APC Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee, said this in Abuja at an event organised by the party’s professionals forum to highlight the achievements, programmes and policies of the Buhari administration.

Akpanudoedehe, who represented Mai Mala Buni, chairman of the party’s national caretaker committee, said, “Another thing we have achieved recently is the issue in the pump price of petroleum; the party said no to it.

“It doesn’t matter the circumstances, the party says the time is not ripe; that is the position of the party and they listened.”

He said the APC leadership would continue to partner the forum, adding that Buhari is a listening president.

“Many of the things you complained about, he already knows. Once you bring anything or those issues before him, he will take it with commitment,” he said.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, had told Nigerians in February to get ready for a fresh increase in petrol pump price as crude oil prices rose above $60 per barrel.

But in March, the NNPC said it would maintain the current ex-depot price of petrol until the end of negotiations with organised labour.

Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, on Monday, said there would be no increase in the ex-depot price of petrol in May.