Motorists seeking to benefit from the Federal Government’s ₦66-per-litre petrol discount must download the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s mobile application and make payments digitally, as the reduction is not automatically available at filling station pumps.
Checks at NNPC retail outlets in Abuja on Friday showed that petrol was selling for ₦1,405 per litre for customers paying directly at the pumps, while motorists using the company’s mobile application paid ₦1,339 per litre.
The findings indicate that access to the government’s fuel price relief initiative remains tied to a digital payment system, potentially limiting access for motorists who are unable or unwilling to use the application.
At the NNPC mega station along Obasanjo Way, a fuel attendant confirmed that customers must download the application and complete their payments through the platform to enjoy the discount.
The attendant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the pump price remained ₦1,405 per litre, while the discounted rate of ₦1,339 was available exclusively through the application.
The arrangement means motorists paying directly at the filling station do not automatically benefit from the ₦66 reduction.
It also raises concerns about the accessibility of the initiative, particularly for commercial transport operators and other motorists who may be unfamiliar with digital payment platforms.
NNPC had initially introduced the discount on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
However, the company extended the promotion until October 31 following an announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, on Thursday.
The initiative is intended to provide temporary relief to Nigerians amid rising fuel costs associated with increasing international crude oil prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
The extension is expected to offer motorists additional time to benefit from the price reduction, although access remains dependent on compliance with the company’s digital payment arrangement.
NNPC could forgo an estimated ₦4.62 billion in gross revenue if its average monthly petrol sales qualify for the discount throughout the applicable period.
