Tinubu Rejects Petrol Subsidy Return Amid Soaring Fuel Prices

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ruled out reviving petrol subsidies as fuel prices continue to rise across the country. The price of petrol has reached N1,500 per litre in some parts of northern Nigeria.

Tinubu made his position clear while addressing an update on the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He stated that restoring the 'ruinous petrol subsidy regime' was not an option, describing it as one that consumed trillions of naira and left Nigeria's economy vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations.

Tinubu emphasized the need for the country to accelerate cheaper alternatives, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), which he said would limit exposure to international energy market swings. He noted that over 120,000 vehicles have been converted to CNG, with more than 400 certified conversion centres and over 90 CNG refuelling stations now operating across the country.

The Citizens Action Network (CAN) has condemned the rising fuel prices, calling them unacceptable and demanding the Federal Government reverse pump prices to N250 per litre. The group accused the Tinubu administration of deepening economic hardship, saying Nigerians were already struggling to meet basic needs.