By Atlantic Reports

Some motorists in Abuja say they have been unable to benefit from discounted petrol at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) stations because access requires payment through the company’s mobile application.

Customers interviewed on Sunday said the lower price was not automatically available to people paying directly at the pumps.

The supplied reporting recorded a pump price of ₦1,405 per litre, compared with ₦1,339 for purchases made through the application, a difference of ₦66 per litre.

The reported arrangement has raised questions about how motorists without compatible smartphones, reliable internet connections or the skills to use digital payment platforms can obtain the discount.

Customers Question Access Conditions

Motorist Babatunde Atoye said customers had to use the application to receive the reduction. A petrol attendant, who spoke anonymously, gave a similar account.

Another motorist, Abdulrahim Malik, questioned the implications for people without smartphones or digital literacy.

“Some people cannot read or write, let alone access Android phones. How can they use the digital application,” he asked.

George Ochendu welcomed the price reduction but said network difficulties could prevent some customers from benefiting.

“They said we should download the app and follow the procedure. NNPC Ltd. is still selling petrol at ₦1,405 per litre, but on the application, it is ₦1,339,” he said.

Consumer Toyin Daniel also questioned how motorists unfamiliar with digital platforms were expected to access the offer.

The supplied account did not include a formal NNPCL explanation of the payment requirements or identify an alternative route for customers unable to use the application.

Announced Price Differs from Reported App Price

The concerns follow a month-long discount announced by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, intended to provide relief from fuel costs.

The announcement, as described in the supplied account, cited a price of ₦1,350 per litre. However, the reported application price in Abuja was ₦1,339.

The reason for that difference was not explained. The Abuja observations also do not establish the prices or access arrangements at every NNPCL station nationwide.

Savings Could Be Offset by Travel and Waiting

Public analyst Jide Ojo said the scheme’s usefulness would depend on how easily motorists could reach participating stations.

He argued that travelling long distances or spending extended periods in queues could consume the savings from the discount.

Ojo also said ₦1,339 per litre remained unaffordable for many households and called for a broader approach to reducing energy costs.

He proposed supplying crude oil to domestic refineries on favourable terms, with corresponding reductions in the prices charged to consumers across retail outlets.

That proposal would require clear arrangements to establish its cost and ensure that any benefit reached buyers.

Calls for Broader Petroleum Reform

Economist Dr Aliyu Illias said Nigeria had not sufficiently translated its petroleum resources into industrial development and improved living standards.

He called for greater refining capacity, better use of gas resources and the development of a wider range of petroleum products.

Illias also urged economic diversification, warning that the global shift towards alternative energy presented a long-term challenge for an oil-dependent economy.

For motorists seeking immediate relief, the central issue remains access: whether the advertised discount can reach customers who cannot use the application, and whether the savings outweigh the cost of finding a participating station.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.