The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has clarified that uniform fuel pricing across the country remains the law, countering claims that it has imposed a blanket ban on discounts by fuel retailers. The authority said recent reports suggesting a “discount ban” were misleading and stressed that compliance with pricing regulations is intended to maintain market stability and protect consumers.
According to the NPA, the Fuel Pricing Guidelines require all fuel stations to sell petroleum products at prices determined by the authority, which take into account global oil prices, exchange rates, and distribution costs. The uniform pricing system ensures that consumers in different regions pay fair and consistent prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
The authority acknowledged that some fuel stations offer promotional discounts, but these must align with the official pricing structure and are subject to regulatory approval. Any deviation from the set prices, the NPA emphasized, is illegal and could lead to sanctions, including fines or suspension of licenses.
Officials added that the uniform pricing policy is critical for preventing arbitrary price hikes, market manipulation, and fuel shortages, particularly in regions vulnerable to supply disruptions. They urged the public to report any stations that sell fuel above the approved rates.
The NPA’s clarification comes amid growing social media speculation and public debate over the affordability of fuel, with some alleging that the authority was restricting discounts to increase profit margins for fuel marketers. The authority, however, insists that its mandate is to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in fuel pricing nationwide.
Consumers are advised to continue patronizing authorized fuel stations and to verify prices using the NPA’s official channels, including its website and mobile platforms. The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to educating stakeholders about the fuel pricing framework to prevent misinformation.
