From January 2026, Nigerians buying petrol may pay an additional N45 per litre if pump prices remain at about N900, following a new provision in the 2025 Nigeria Tax Administration Act.
The law introduces a five percent surcharge on refined petroleum products, designed to discourage heavy reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of clean energy.
However, the surcharge is expected to hit consumers hard, raising transport costs and further driving up the prices of goods and services. Many Nigerians, already battling inflation and economic hardship, fear the policy could worsen the cost-of-living crisis.
The federal government insists the measure is part of its energy transition plan, but critics say the timing is insensitive and could deepen public frustration.
