News
Petrol Pump Price May Hit N1,000/litre As Isreal, Iran War Escalates
This came as marketers of petroleum products said petrol prices may soon rise to N1,000 per litre due to rising crude oil prices and the volatility in the foreign exchange market.
This development follows a “preemptive defensive strike,” overnight attacks launched by the United States on three of Iran’s major nuclear sites.
The strike, as announced by President Donald Trump, “obliterated” Tehran’s critical nuclear infrastructure, joining an Israeli assault in an escalation of conflict in the Middle East as Tehran vowed to defend itself. Iran is OPEC’s third-largest crude producer.
In a swift retaliation, the Iranian parliament has reportedly moved to shut the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that handles nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. The move sent immediate shockwaves through the global energy market, with Brent crude trading higher in the early hours and analysts projecting further gains.
Concerned by this trend, energy analysts on Sunday warned that the surge in global crude oil prices could push the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in Nigeria to as high as N1,000 per litre in the coming weeks, should Brent crude hit the $80 per barrel threshold.
The Chief Executive Officer of PetroleumPrice.ng, Olatide Jeremiah, said private depots are already gearing up to effect a hike in loading cost on Monday.
He stated, “Private depots are likely to increase petrol price to N1,000 in the coming days with the current trend observed in the market. If by tomorrow morning, crude price increases to $80 or exceeds that threshold, Nigerians would pay N1,000 at depots.
“The situation means they will take advantage of Nigerians, but we can only hope that Dangote maintains its current price, that is the only way depot owners won’t jack up the price anyhow. The price surge seen last week was basically because Dangote stopped selling for some days. But it has opened up its portal and is now selling at N880 for two million litres. Dangote remains a major determinant of petrol price.”
According to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, the heightened crisis between Israel and Iran has continued to push up crude prices, prompting a rise in global petrol prices.
On Friday, the Dangote refinery jerked up petrol prices from N825 to N880. In response, MRS Oil Nigeria and other filling stations selling Dangote petrol raised their pump prices to an average of N955 in the South East and North West.
One of our correspondents observed on Sunday that other filling stations have also hiked their prices to between N930 and N960, depending on the location. Lagos has the cheapest rate as MRS and other Dangote partners sold petrol at N925 per litre on Sunday.
Speaking on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, linked the recent price hike to instability in the global crude market due to the Israel-Iran crisis and an unstable foreign exchange situation.
According to him, the Dangote refinery and importers reacted to the changes to raise petrol prices on Friday. “Once the exchange rate goes up, it will affect the price of petroleum products. Once crude oil is also going up, it will also affect it,” he said.
Ukadike warned that the cost of lifting 50,000 litres of petrol is now significantly higher, putting financial pressure on independent marketers and forcing them to review their pricing strategy.
He added, “Definitely, marketers will also increase to meet that gap. Since the refiner, which is Dangote, has already increased that price. Some of them that are importers have also increased prices in line with the international market. So, for us, consequently, it will increase the volume of money we use to buy 50,000 litres worth of petrol. It will put pressure on our finances and also make us redirect and review our market strategy.”
He added that petrol could sell for as high as N1,000 per litre, especially in some parts of the North, due to transportation and logistics costs. “In the North, we’ve seen N980, N990, N975. Some places, maybe to the far end, around N1,000,” he said.
According to him, the combination of international market forces and domestic cost burdens is making it difficult for marketers to maintain stable pricing. He said that petrol refined locally by Dangote could be sold at almost the same price as imported products, largely due to global crude price volatility.
Ukadike explained that the Dangote refinery is also sourcing crude oil at international market rates, which he said diminishes the expected price advantage over imports.
He explained that some areas, particularly the South-South, are seeing prices of up to N950 per litre due to depot proximity and marine delivery from coastal terminals. “Some of them in the South-South are using the coastal area to take their products. So those ones are selling from their depots because they collected products from vessels,” he said.
Ukadike reiterated that the cost of petrol remains heavily influenced by the interplay of crude prices, foreign exchange rates, and logistics.
Importers had earlier increased their prices following the rise in crude prices.
Our correspondent reports that Nigeria’s major crude grades—Bonny Light, Brass River, and Qua Iboe—rose to $79 per barrel last week and sustained the rise till yesterday, following Israel’s military strikes on Iran, heightening fears of a wider Middle East conflict.
According to data from Oilprice.com as of Sunday, Bonny Light stood at $78.62 per barrel, while Brass River and Qua Iboe closed at approximately $79. From around N65 in the past weeks, Brent stood at $77, and WTI rose to $73.84 per barrel.
The new price levels exceed the Federal Government’s 2025 budget benchmark of $75 per barrel by about $3, potentially offering short-term fiscal relief. The new price levels exceed the Federal Government’s 2025 budget benchmark of $75 per barrel by about $3, potentially offering short-term fiscal relief.
Analysts had earlier warned that higher crude prices could trigger an increase in local fuel prices, as refiners face rising costs for crude, the primary feedstock for petrol and diesel production. Since Monday, depots have hiked the pump prices of petrol after the escalating tension in the Middle East jerked up the prices of crude oil.
Petrol price rose from N825 to N840 on Monday. Rainoil’s price surged by N50, from N850 to N900 per litre. It was also reported that Fynefield and Mainland jerked their ex-depot prices to N930 and N920, adding N51 and N63 respectively.
As of Monday, Sigmund was selling at N920 per litre; Matrix Warri’s price was N910; NIPCO jumped to N895 from N827 last week, while Aiteo sold petrol at the rate of N840, as shown by Petroleumprice.com. Our correspondent observed that SGR, which was selling petrol at N850 before now, adjusted its pump price to N930 per litre.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is also expected to change its pump prices. Similarly, the head of geopolitical analysis at Rystad and a former OPEC official, Jorge Leon, in an interview with Reuters, noted that “An oil price jump is expected. Even in the absence of immediate retaliation, markets are likely to price in a higher geopolitical risk premium.”
Global oil benchmark Brent crude could gain $3 to $5 per barrel when markets open, SEB analyst Ole Hvalbye said in a note. Brent settled at $77.01 a barrel on Friday, and US West Texas Intermediate at $73.84.
Ole Hansen, analyst at Saxo Bank, said crude could open $4 to $5 higher, with potential for some long positioning being unwound. Crude had settled down on Friday after the US imposed fresh Iran-related sanctions, including on two entities based in Hong Kong, and counter-terrorism-related sanctions, according to a notice on the US Treasury Department website.
Brent has risen 11 per cent while WTI has gained around 10 per cent since the conflict began on June 13, with Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear sites and Iranian missiles hitting buildings in Tel Aviv.
Currently stable supply conditions and the availability of spare production capacity among other OPEC members have limited oil’s gains. Risk premiums have typically faded when no supply disruptions occurred, said Giovanni Staunovo, analyst at UBS
“The direction of oil prices from here will depend on whether there are supply disruptions, which would likely result in higher prices, or if there is a de-escalation in the conflict, resulting in a fading risk premium,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament has reportedly voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, considered a strategic and vital asset. The decision to close the strait is not yet final, and it was not officially reported that parliament had adopted a bill to that effect.
Instead, a member of parliament’s national security commission, Esmail Kosari, was quoted on other Iranian media as saying: “For now, [parliament has] concluded we should close the Strait of Hormuz, but the final decision in this regard is the responsibility of the Supreme National Security Council.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and links the Persian Gulf north of it with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. It is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just 2 miles (3 km) wide in either direction. About 20 per cent of the world’s oil, estimated at 17 to 18 million barrels per day, passes through it.
The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
-
News3 days ago
“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
-
News3 days ago
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest
-
Crime5 days agoAnambra Police Burst Gunmen Armoury in Orumba
-
Politics4 days agoAnambra Communities Boil As Group Carpets Traditional Rulers Over Zoning
-
News5 days ago
Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting
-
News4 days ago
2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
-
Tech2 days agoHow Chatgpt Detector Tools Are Changing Content Verification
-
Politics22 hours agoAPC House of Reps Screening: Onwuegbu Clears Exercise Ahead Of Primaries