The Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have been urged to revive the country’s government-owned refineries as rising petrol prices continue to increase pressure on Nigerians.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners, Dr Joseph Obele, made the call in a statement on Thursday, arguing that increased domestic refining would boost supply and reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

“The immediate approach to the recent rise in petroleum prices is to restart the government-owned refineries,” he said.

Obele said Nigeria should maximise all available refining capacity while promoting responsible private-sector investment and healthy competition in the downstream petroleum sector.

He also raised concerns about the impact of rising crude oil prices amid tensions involving the United States, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Obele noted that Brent crude closed at about $105.83 per barrel on September 16, 2026, while West Texas Intermediate stood at about $102.43 per barrel.

He added that petrol was selling for between N1,400 and N1,500 per litre in some locations, while diesel prices had risen above N2,000 per litre.

“The continuous increase in the cost of petroleum products will invariably affect the prices of virtually all commodities and services. It will create additional inflationary pressure and deepen the financial hardship being experienced by Nigerians,” he warned.

Obele urged the Federal Government and the NNPC to resume production at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, stressing that increased domestic refining was essential as the cost of petroleum products continued to rise.

Obele said reviving the refineries before the 2027 general elections would be a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and boosting public confidence in the Federal Government.

“The Port Harcourt refinery should become a measurable demonstration of government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. If the refinery is successfully restarted before the 2027 elections, it will give citizens an opportunity to assess the administration’s performance in the petroleum sector based on tangible results.

“The people are looking for results. A functional Port Harcourt refinery will restore confidence, support economic activities and demonstrate that Nigeria can utilise its own petroleum resources for the benefit of its citizens,” he noted.