Monday, 13 January 2025 04:46

Fuel prices in Nigeria likely to surge as Brent crude rises above $81

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Fuel prices in Nigeria are expected to climb further as Brent crude prices surged above $81 per barrel on Monday, marking a four-month high. The increase follows the imposition of broader U.S. sanctions on Russian oil exports, raising global supply concerns and driving up costs.

Brent crude futures rose by $1.48 (1.86%) to $81.24 per barrel after reaching an intraday high of $81.49, the highest since August 27, 2024. Similarly, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed to $78.10 per barrel, reflecting a 2% increase. Both benchmarks have gained over 6% since January 8.

The U.S. Treasury’s expanded sanctions, announced on Friday, targeted Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 vessels linked to Russian crude exports. These measures are expected to significantly disrupt Russia’s oil shipments, particularly to major importers like China and India, pushing demand—and prices—higher across other markets, including Africa.

Impact on Nigeria

The latest price surge is set to impact fuel prices in Nigeria, as the nation depends heavily on imported refined petroleum products. Local fuel depots, which already saw selective price increases last week, are expected to implement further hikes.

Olatide Jeremiah, CEO of petroleumprice.ng, explained that higher crude prices directly influence the cost of refined products such as diesel and petrol. “As Brent crude surpasses $81, importers will face higher procurement and shipping costs, leading to inevitable price adjustments,” he said.

Analysts Warn of Prolonged Price Pressure

RBC Capital analysts noted that the new sanctions will remove significant volumes of Russian crude from global markets, particularly affecting exports to Asia. The sanctions cover tankers involved in shipping approximately 1.5 million barrels per day of Russian oil, including 750,000 barrels per day to China and 350,000 barrels per day to India.

Traders and analysts predict that China and India will now turn to crude sources in the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, further straining global oil supplies and increasing costs. This could lead to higher shipping expenses for oil imports, which will ripple through markets like Nigeria.

Rising Fuel Prices at Home

Nigerian residents and businesses are already bracing for higher fuel prices after Brent crude prices hit $79.76 per barrel over the weekend. The new highs will likely exacerbate the situation, with diesel prices—already rising in Lagos depots—expected to climb further this week.

The latest developments underline the strong link between global crude prices and local fuel costs in Nigeria, highlighting the need for a more sustainable approach to managing the nation’s fuel supply and pricing mechanisms.

April 02, 2025

Nigeria's net FX reserves increased to $23bn in 2024, highest in 3 years

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reported that Nigeria's net foreign exchange reserves (NFER)…
April 02, 2025

Natasha outsmarts Kogi govt, Police; ‘drops’ from sky to jubilant crowds

In a spectacular display of defiance, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan turned the Kogi State Government and…
March 30, 2025

Does wearing a cap make you go bald? Here’s what dermatologists want you to know about hair loss

Hair loss can be an upsetting and worrisome experience. But with a slew of wellness…
March 30, 2025

Two 'proof of heaven' stories and one 'proof of hell' that had atheist calling out…

Ole Braatelien What happens to our consciousness the moment we die? Christians believe our souls…
April 02, 2025

Ponzi schemes: New law slams 10-year jail term, N40m fine - SEC

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finally declared war on Ponzi schemes, with a…
April 02, 2025

What to know after Day 1133 of Russia-Ukraine war

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE Russia says it cannot accept U.S. proposals on Ukraine 'in current form' Russia…
March 28, 2025

Bill Gates: Within 10 years, AI will replace many doctors and teachers—humans won’t be needed…

Tom Huddleston Jr. Over the next decade, advances in artificial intelligence will mean that humans…
January 08, 2025

NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.