Tension over fuel price hike

Tension has mounted across Nigeria following the federal government's announcement on New Year's Day that it would increase fuel prices between 18 and 35 percent. The price of petrol and diesel has now increased to 26 naira (US $0.23) per litre, up from 22 naira and 21 naira respectively, while kerosene has risen to US $0.20 (23 naira) from 17 naira. Fuel queues have developed in many Nigerian cities since the announcement as most filling stations have closed, fearing a violent public reaction to the new prices. Last year the government announced a 50 percent increase in fuel prices but had to reduce it after labour unions called a general strike and organised demonstrations to protest the measure. Adams Oshiomhole, president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, condemned the new prices, saying the unions would not rule out a general strike in protest. The House of Representatives had also asked President Olusegun Obasanjo not to raise fuel prices without their consent.