Yari Defends Nigeria’s Fuel Price Hike, Says Even Saudi Arabia Has Increased Prices

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, has defended the recent increase in fuel prices in Nigeria, arguing that the country cannot be insulated from rising costs in the international oil market.

Yari made the remarks on Monday while speaking at an APC presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, where he urged Nigerians to understand the factors driving the increase in the price of petrol.

He pointed to Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest oil-producing countries, as an example, saying the country had also raised its fuel prices despite its significant crude oil production.

“Nigeria can’t be an exception, there’s fuel price hike in Saudi Arabia. Even Saudi Arabia, which produces more oil than us, has increased fuel prices, so why should Nigeria be different?” he said.

Yari attributed the increase in fuel prices to rising crude oil costs in the international market, arguing that the trend was affecting countries beyond Nigeria.

He maintained that petrol prices were influenced by global market conditions and were not determined solely by the Nigerian government.

The APC chieftain also urged Nigerians to remain patient and support the government, insisting that the removal of fuel subsidy would deliver long-term benefits to the country.

His comments come amid public concerns over the rising cost of petrol and its impact on transportation, food prices and the general cost of living.