By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it raised the pump price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), clarifying that recent hikes were introduced by private investors.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) described such reports as misleading, stressing that no subsidy removal or government directive led to the increase.
“Recent pump price adjustments announced by certain operators are purely private-sector decisions and not the outcome of any government directive or policy,” said Matilda Johnson, PCNGI’s Brands and Corporate Communications Manager.
The initiative explained that its mandate remains focused on promoting cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable energy alternatives to petrol and diesel. It also highlighted that investor confidence in the sector has attracted nearly $1 billion in private capital.
Despite government assurances, consumers have faced higher costs. Retailers told PUNCH that the price of one standard cubic metre of CNG recently jumped from N230 to N450, amid limited refilling stations and long queues.
While trucks are now charged N450/SCM, some car and commercial drivers reportedly pay N380, reflecting partial subsidies.
