Fresh pressure is building on Nigerian consumers as major depot operators, including Ardova Plc (AP) and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, have increased petrol depot prices following the continued rise in global crude oil costs.

The latest adjustment is expected to trigger another round of pump price hikes across filling stations nationwide, worsening the burden on households already struggling with rising transport fares and food inflation.

Industry data showed that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, now sells for between N1,278 and N1,290 per litre at major depots as of Friday, May 15, 2026.

Depot pricing data showed that Sobaz sold petrol at N1,290 per litre, while AP sold at N1,278. FYNFIELD also sold at N1,290, while A.A Rano adjusted its rate to N1,280 per litre.

The sharp increase at the depot level has already started reflecting at filling stations, where pump prices have climbed to as high as N1,340 per litre in some locations.

This means Nigerians may once again spend significantly more on transportation, logistics, and daily living expenses

The development comes despite earlier assurances from Dangote Refinery that it would work to reduce the frequency of petrol price hikes. Findings show that the refinery adjusted petrol prices nine times within the first three months of the year, including six increases and three reductions.

Analysts said the increase is largely linked to the volatility in international crude oil prices, fueled by the growing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz involving the United States and Iran. The strategic waterway remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, and any disruption often sends shockwaves across global energy markets.

To protect themselves from possible losses, Nigerian depot owners have moved quickly to adjust their rates upward. According to data from PetroleumPriceNG, several operators raised PMS prices by about 1.0%, reflecting fears of further increases in landing costs.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has revealed details of a private conversation he had with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding the political future of Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State.

Sani made the disclosure during an interview on Symfoni TV while commenting on the ongoing political tension in the state and growing speculation about whether Governor Fubara will seek a second term in office.

According to the PDP chieftain, Wike has deliberately chosen not to discuss the issue publicly.

He said the former Rivers governor made it clear that he does not want to be drawn into conversations about the governor’s political future.

Sani said the FCT minister believes that raising such discussions too early could trigger unnecessary arguments within the party and create divisions among supporters.

He explained that debates about re-election or succession often become sensitive when they begin long before party primaries or official political processes start.

According to him, premature political conversations can cause confusion within a party. Members may begin to interpret statements differently. That situation, he noted, can weaken internal unity and distract leaders from governance.

He said: “Wike recently told me that nobody should ask him whether Fubara is going to do a second term or not. This is to avoid premature debates that can scatter the party. For now, the people of Rivers State are watching closely, hoping that this political ‘robasese’ does not stop the development of the state. Wike is keeping his cards close to his chest.”

Sani added that experienced political leaders often prefer to wait until the appropriate time before discussing candidates or succession matters. According to him, such restraint helps prevent internal conflicts and keeps the focus on governance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday convened a nearly two-hour security meeting with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, marking the first such gathering since Tunji Disu assumed office as Inspector-General of Police.

According to reports, the service chiefs arrived at the Villa without their usual official vehicles, making them difficult to identify, and left the premises at approximately 5:10 pm after extended deliberations with the President.

The chiefs and the IGP were later identified as they exited the forecourt following the closed-door session.

The meeting comes amid rising security concerns nationwide, particularly following recent killings of military commanding officers in various operational theatres.

In the past week alone, the military lost at least three commanding officers in charge of forward operating bases, following a surge of attacks on security formations and personnel, especially in the North-East where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents have intensified assaults.

Notable incidents include the attack on Ngoshe in Borno State, which resulted in abductions, as well as separate attacks on Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok, all in Borno State.

Thursday’s security meeting is IGP Disu’s first formal engagement with the President and service chiefs since his appointment on February 28, 2026, following the resignation of his predecessor.

While details of the discussions have not been publicly disclosed, the meeting likely focused on the recent spike in attacks on security personnel, the vulnerability of communities in the North-East, and coordination among security agencies.