The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has explained that the recent surge in cooking gas prices across Nigeria was caused by short-term disruptions in product loading and distribution following a workers’ strike.
Ojulari described the rise as “relatively artificial”, noting that it stemmed from short-term supply delays rather than higher production or import costs.
“For the period of the strike, product movement and loading were delayed by about two to three days. Because of that, there was a temporary shortage, and as you know, in Nigeria, people take advantage of such delays. Some of those with existing reserves raised their prices,” he said.
As a result of terminating the employment of several local staff on September 25, 2025, citing repeated acts of sabotage within its operations.
The NNPCL boss stated that the brief disruption led to supply constraints in several parts of the country, creating an opportunity for some marketers to hike prices.
He expressed optimism that as operations normalize, retail prices would gradually return to their previous levels.
“The expectation is that now that things are back to normal, prices should return to what they were before the strike”.
Labour tensions with Dangote refinery
However, the strike that disrupted supply was triggered by a labour dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery.
Several local employees were dismissed on September 25, 2025, after management cited repeated acts of sabotage affecting the refinery operations.
In a statement, Dangote Industries described the move as part of a total reorganisation aimed at safeguarding operations and ensuring continuity.
However, PENGASSAN condemned the dismissals, calling them a violation of workers’ rights and a betrayal of national interest.
The union’s reaction led to a nationwide strike that halted crude deliveries, delayed loading activities at depots, and temporarily shut down operations at some fuel terminals.
Future outlooks
Ojulari assured consumers that NNPCL is taking steps to stabilize the market and prevent future disruptions.
He clarified that the recent price movement does not reflect any policy shift or change in NNPCL’s pricing framework.
According to him, the company has intensified monitoring of downstream activities to discourage hoarding and overcharging by marketers.
While the temporary rise in gas prices rattled consumers, the NNPCL boss insists it was a short-term distortion caused by strike-induced supply delays.
As full distribution resumes nationwide, prices are expected to normalize.
