The Federal Government has removed the cap on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) price, popularly known as petrol.
This was disclosed by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) via a memo, which was dated March 30, 2020, but realised on May 4, 2020, titled ‘Market Based Pricing Regime for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) Regulations, 2020.
What it means: With the new development, marketers now have the freedom to fix the price of the commodity and sell above the price given by the agency.
Executive Secretary, PPPRA, Abdulkadir Saidu, explained that the agency would continue to monitor trends in the crude oil market and advise the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and oil marketers on the monthly guiding price for the commodity.
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“The price cap per litre in respect of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is removed from the commencement of these Regulations. From the commencement of these Regulations, a market-based pricing regime for PMS shall take effect,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nairametrics had reported that the agency announced a new retail price band for oil marketers.
In a circular dated May 31st, as seen by Nairametrics, the downstream regulator said oil marketers are now expected to sell petrol within the price range of N121.50 and N123.50. Part of the circular said:
“Please recall the recently approved pricing regime which became effective March 19, 2020, and the provision for the establishment of a monthly price band within which petroleum marketers are expected to sell PMS at the retail stations.”
This means that PPPRA as an agency will soon go as its principal function is extinguished. Keeping it will mean wastage of tax payers funds.
I’m a bit confused as to whether the sector us deregulated or not. In one part they say:
“The price cap per litre in respect of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is removed from the commencement of these Regulations. From the commencement of these Regulations, a market-based pricing regime for PMS shall take effect.”
And then on the other hand:
“Please recall the recently approved pricing regime which became effective March 19, 2020, and the provision for the establishment of a monthly price band within which petroleum marketers are expected to sell PMS at the retail stations.”
So is it deregulated or not? Can retail stations sell at market determined prices or not?
Prof Wole Soyinka said Nigerian President in not in charge. I cannot agree any more. This singular speaks volumes. I just pray the youth will wake up early enough to ask them questions,
Now that the cap has been removed the equalisation fund should be scrubbed