On October 1, the Federal Government, through the [Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited](https://nnpcgroup.com), launched a 30‑day petrol discount of ₦66 per litre. APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the cut is a short‑term buffer against climbing international oil prices and does not signal a return to the former fuel subsidy.
**What prompted the discount?**
The discount was first introduced as an Independence Anniversary promotion at NNPC retail stations, before the government formalised the 30‑day relief on October 8. It is scheduled to run until October 31 and applies only to NNPC outlets, not as a nationwide price ceiling.
**How does the government differentiate the discount from a subsidy?**
Yilwatda stressed, “No, no, no. And ours is not actually bringing back subsidy. We have not brought back subsidy.” He explained that the measure merely offsets the cost when crude prices rise internationally, while any future fall in global prices would be passed on to consumers by marketers.
**What is the APC’s response to Atiku’s criticism?**
Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, now ADC presidential candidate, argued that a one‑month relief would not solve the broader cost‑of‑living crisis. Yilwatda countered that Atiku himself has advocated for market‑driven price adjustments and the eventual removal of subsidies, noting Atiku’s past statements about selling refineries and ending subsidies.
**What role does the global oil market play?**
The chairman highlighted that fluctuations in the international market, including the ongoing Iran‑United States tensions, can swiftly alter crude prices. He said the government must continuously monitor these developments before deciding on any further action.
**What happens after the discount expires?**
Yilwatda indicated that the authorities will assess global oil trends and domestic market conditions before determining the next step, emphasizing that the current relief is a temporary response to external price pressures.
Overall, the APC maintains that the discount is a pragmatic, market‑responsive measure, while Atiku continues to call for a more sustainable, production‑linked solution to Nigeria’s fuel‑price challenges.