The Federal Government has reportedly commenced discussions on how to raise the freight rate of the petrol pump price from N7.51 per litre to N9.11 per litre.
The discussions with representatives of the organized labour imply a 21.30 per cent hike in petrol freight rate, which is a component of the total cost of petrol.
According to the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Equalisation Board, Alhaji Ahmed Bobboi, the freight increase is expected to affect the total calculation.
Bobboi disclosed that the agency was waiting for the Federal Government approval before implementing the new freight rate of N9.11 per litre.
Meanwhile, he said the Federal Government was expecting the labour unions to revert to it on the agreement it has taken from the government’s joint committee on the hike in the price of petrol and electricity.
The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Malam Mele Kyari said the Federal Government would announce the effective date.
Kyari urged the transport owners to ensure that their tankers and drivers meet government regulators’ safety standards.
Meanwhile, the National President, National Association of Road Transport Owners, Alhaji Yusuf Othman urged the government to implement the new petrol freight rate.
He said the increment would enable transport owners to improve their services to increase their staff’s wages, including the truck drivers.