By The Surge in Petrol Ex-depot Prices
In recent news, the ex-depot price of petrol has witnessed a significant increase, rising by 7.6% to N608 per litre from the previous N565 per litre in Lagos and its environs. This abrupt hike has sent shockwaves through the fuel industry and left consumers, independent marketers, and major oil corporations grappling with its far-reaching consequences. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of this price surge, the factors contributing to it, and the challenges it presents to the Nigerian fuel market.
Understanding the Ex-depot Price Increase
The ex-depot price, the price at which petroleum products are sold by refineries to marketers, has long been a central component in the fuel pricing mechanism in Nigeria. The recent 7.6% increase brings the price to N608 per litre, which, in turn, affects the final retail price at fuel stations across the country. This price surge can be attributed to various factors, which we will discuss in detail.
The Role of Independent Marketers
A visit to private depots in Lagos reveals a crucial aspect of this price surge: independent marketers. These marketers, who acquire petrol at the N608 per litre ex-depot price, are forced to resell the fuel at prices ranging from N630 to N640 per litre, depending on their location. This discrepancy between the ex-depot price and the retail price has significant implications for both the marketers and consumers.
One anonymous marketer shed light on the situation, stating that the cost of a truckload of 33 million litres, which was previously N7.5 million before deregulation, has now soared to around N25 million. To adapt to these exorbitant costs, some marketers have resorted to sharing a truckload of petrol to sustain their operations. The implications of this price hike on independent marketers are profound, leading to concerns about the sustainability of their businesses.
The NNPC’s Role
While the NNPC Limited stations continue to sell petrol at N568 per litre in Lagos and environs, major marketers have set their prices between N580 and N590 per litre, contingent on their location. This dual pricing structure further complicates the fuel market, as consumers face disparities in petrol prices based on where they choose to fill their tanks.
Deregulation and Market Dynamics
The President of the Independent Petroleum Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, emphasizes that the pricing mechanism has undergone a significant transformation due to deregulation. He points out that the market now dictates the price, a fundamental principle of deregulation. This shift in pricing dynamics has led to fluctuations in petrol prices, creating challenges for both marketers and consumers.
Challenges for Independent Marketers
Jude Nwaulune, the Managing Director of Rainoil Logistics, underscores the myriad challenges faced by independent marketers since the removal of fuel subsidies. Two prominent issues at the forefront are the foreign exchange crisis and the high cost of transportation. The latter is primarily attributed to the exorbitant price of diesel, which currently hovers at approximately N1,000 per litre.
The foreign exchange crisis has contributed to the skyrocketing costs of importing essential components of the petroleum supply chain. This, in turn, has led to a higher ex-depot price, subsequently affecting retail prices and creating a strain on the entire industry.
Moreover, the exorbitant cost of diesel, a primary fuel source for transportation, has a direct impact on the operational expenses of marketers. This increase in operating costs further narrows profit margins and raises concerns about the sustainability of the fuel business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 7.6% surge in the ex-depot price of petrol to N608 per litre is causing ripples throughout the Nigerian fuel market. Independent marketers are grappling with the challenge of selling petrol at prices that ensure profitability, while consumers face disparities in petrol prices based on their location. Deregulation has introduced a new pricing mechanism, leaving the market to determine the cost of petrol, leading to fluctuations in prices.
Challenges such as the foreign exchange crisis and the high cost of diesel have compounded the difficulties faced by independent marketers, who are striving to break even in this new pricing landscape. As the fuel industry continues to evolve, all stakeholders must adapt to the changing dynamics, with an emphasis on ensuring the sustainability of the sector.
