The recent surge in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol or fuel, amid economic hardship across Nigeria, has heightened anxiety among the average Nigerian, particularly celebrities.
According to reports, the higher price is largely attributed to the sharp rise in global crude oil prices, which climbed to nearly $120 per barrel last week before easing slightly to $112 over the weekend, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Industry players say the increase has had a direct impact on local pricing, particularly after Dangote Refinery raised its gantry price from ₦1,175 to ₦1,245 per litre.
This adjustment at filling stations nationwide has triggered an immediate chain reaction across the downstream sector, with marketers revising pump prices to between ₦1,310 and ₦1,400 per litre, worsening households’ financial situation as transport fares soar, business costs escalate, and disposable incomes shrink further.
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Following the development, many Nigerian celebrities have taken to their various platforms to express their displeasure/opinions, while some question the sharp rise in fuel prices despite Nigeria being an oil-producing country, and others, however, blamed ‘global factors.’
How Nigerian celebrities are reacting to the current surge in petrol price
Kunle Remi
The actor recently took to his Instagram page to vent out his frustration over the rising cost of fuel and Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, describing the impact as mentally exhausting.
Detailing his struggles, Remi noted that the cost of running generators has become overwhelming due to the high fuel prices.
He explained that the situation isn’t limited to individuals; businesses across the country are also struggling to manage the rising costs of diesel and petrol. He said this has led to higher transportation expenses, making it difficult for workers, including his staff, to get to work.
The actor also raised concerns about Nigeria’s dependence on fuel despite being an oil-producing country. He questioned why the country continues to face these challenges, especially amid global events impacting oil supply.
Damilola Adegbite
The Nollywood actress, earlier today, March 27th, expressed shock over the rising cost of petrol in Nigeria after being charged ₦125,000 for 93 litres of fuel.
Adegbite, shocked by the amount she paid, questioned the situation, suggesting the cost was difficult to comprehend given the current economic realities faced by many citizens.
Okunnu
Nigerian actor, Wale Akorede on his part, criticised marketers after the price of petrol rose from N1,240 per litre on Saturday to N1,340 per litre on Sunday.
The film star also suggested that citizens bear some responsibility for the country’s economic hardships in a recent Instagram video. He also questioned whether the government or Nigerians themselves were to blame.
“As of yesterday, which was the 21st, petrol was N1,240 per litre. Today, which is Sunday, petrol is now N1,340 per litre. Is it the government that increased it or we, Nigerians?” he said.
Okunnu argued that, despite Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing nation, fuel prices remain unreasonably high compared to those in other oil-producing countries.
He dismissed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a justification for the hikes.
Remi Surutu
For Veteran Nigerian actress, Remi Surutu, Global factors, and not the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is to be blamed for the rising cost of fuel prices.
The actress, while speaking in a recent interview, argued that decisions by world leaders largely influence fuel costs.
“Like I fought with somebody who was saying… ‘Asiwaju caused the fuel hike.’ I said Asiwaju is not responsible for the rise in petrol prices. The price of the fuel is decided by some beings, by the world leaders… hike in fuel has nothing to do with Tinubu,” she said.
Surutu reaffirmed her long-standing support for the president and urged Nigerians to exercise their right to vote freely, without intimidation.
Kunle Afolayan
Prominent filmmaker Kunle Afolayan earlier in the month lamented the current hike in fuel prices, disclosing that it has made it difficult for him to run his KAP Film Village monthly despite having solar power.
According to the celebrated movie director, his operations now incur expenses of up to N11 million every four to five weeks, adding “It’s not sustainable because even the diesel we have been buying was on credit and when we make small money we find a way to pay, and sometimes it takes two months to pay and then get another one on credit.”
