The Trade Union Congress has criticised the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a 15 per cent import duty on petrol, warning that the move could worsen living costs at a time when many Nigerians are already under economic pressure.

TUC President Festus Osifo said the union is reviewing the proposal and engaging relevant stakeholders to determine how the tariff would affect fuel pricing and supply. He noted that although the government argues the duty will help promote local refining, the reality is that Nigeria still depends heavily on imported petrol.

According to him, any additional charge on importers is likely to be passed directly to consumers, especially since the Dangote Refinery and other facilities in free trade zones enjoy exemptions that may not apply to others bringing in PMS from abroad.

Osifo urged the government to clearly spell out how the tariff will work and who it will affect, stressing that unclear guidelines could lead to confusion in the downstream market. He added that both the TUC and PENGASSAN will issue a formal position once they complete their assessment.

Government documents indicate that implementing the new duty could add nearly ₦100 to the landing cost of petrol, pushing pump prices in Lagos towards ₦965 per litre. Officials say the measure is meant to support domestic refineries in Edo, Rivers, Imo and Lagos, and gradually reduce the country’s heavy reliance on fuel imports.

Industry analysts, however, caution that without targeted relief for households, the tariff could deepen the financial strain already caused by subsidy removal and persistent inflation.