The event brought together industry stakeholders, partners, and members of the media to celebrate the airline’s journey, which began on April 8, 1946, with a single flight from Addis Ababa to Cairo operated with a Douglas C-47 aircraft. That historic flight, according to the airline, marked the beginning of a bold vision to connect Africa to the world through reliable and world-class air transport.

Speaking at the ceremony, the General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria, Mrs Firihiewot Mekonnen, described the anniversary as both a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to future growth.

“It is truly a great honour and heartfelt pleasure to stand before you today as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Ethiopian Airlines,” she said, while expressing gratitude to passengers, partners, and the media for their continued support over the years.

From its humble beginnings with just five aircraft and a single international route, the airline has grown into a global aviation giant with a modern fleet of over 140 aircraft and an extensive network covering 144 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Today, the airline operates as the Ethiopian Airlines Group, a fully integrated aviation ecosystem that extends beyond passenger transport to include cargo operations, ground handling services, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aviation training through its academy, in-flight catering, airport services, and hospitality through the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.

Mrs Mekonnen noted that the airline’s evolution over the past eight decades reflects resilience, discipline, and a strong commitment to excellence. She added that the carrier remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and enhancing customer experience in response to the rapidly changing global aviation landscape.

“We are 80 years young,” she said, emphasising that the airline’s pioneering spirit remains as strong today as it was in 1946.

A key highlight of the celebration was the airline’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria, where it began operations in 1960, just one month after Nigeria’s independence. Over the past 65 years, Lagos has remained a critical hub in the airline’s West African operations, serving as a gateway for trade, tourism, and connectivity.

Mrs Mekonnen described Nigeria as more than a destination, calling it a strategic partner in the airline’s growth journey. She praised the trust and loyalty of Nigerian passengers and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to strengthening its operations in the country.

“Nigeria is not just a destination in our network; it is a valued partner in our journey, rich in culture, energy, and opportunity,” she said.

The anniversary celebration in Lagos also underscored Ethiopian Airlines’ broader role in strengthening African connectivity and global aviation links, connecting major cities such as Addis Ababa with key commercial hubs like Lagos.

Looking ahead, the airline reaffirmed its commitment to continued expansion, fleet modernisation, digital transformation, and sustainable aviation practices aimed at reducing environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.

As the celebration drew to a close, Mrs Mekonnen paid tribute to employees, management, partners, and loyal customers whose contributions, she said, have been central to the airline’s enduring success.

“Here’s to 80 years of excellence and many more years of shared success ahead,” she concluded.

The event ended on a forward-looking note, with Ethiopian Airlines reiterating its ambition to remain a leading force in global aviation and a key driver of Africa’s connectivity to the world.

Ethiopian Airlines marks its 80th anniversary with a Lagos celebration, highlighting its growth from a single 1946 flight to a global aviation group with 144 destinations. The airline reaffirms its commitment to expansion, innovation, and stronger ties with Nigeria.

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Briefing journalists on Tuesday in Kaduna, ADC chieftain and ex-Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani-Bello, expressed “grave concern” over what it described as politically motivated actions undermining democratic norms.

The ADC alleged that recent developments surrounding El-Rufai were not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to weaken his political influence. Among the issues cited were his exclusion from a ministerial position, proceedings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and the arrest and detention of several of his associates.

The party specifically mentioned individuals, including Bashir Saidu, Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, Jimi Lawal, and Aisha Galadima, as among those affected.

The ADC further alleged that anti-corruption and security agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) were being used in ways that create the perception of selective enforcement.

According to the party, prolonged detention, altered bail conditions, and questioned judicial processes point to potential abuse of institutions and erosion of public trust.

The opposition party also highlighted what it described as violations of human rights and due process, citing El-Rufai’s extended detention and repeated transfers across locations.

It stressed that such actions raise concerns about fairness, proportionality, and adherence to the rule of law

Beyond El-Rufai, the ADC claimed there is a widening clampdown on opposition voices across Kaduna State. It pointed to reported arrests, intimidation, and interference in party structures, as well as alleged restrictions on the establishment of party offices.

The party also referenced controversies at the national level involving party leadership, including issues linked to former Senate President, David Mark, which it said further complicate concerns about institutional neutrality.

It called for the immediate end to what it described as harassment and politically motivated prosecutions, as well as the release of individuals it considers unlawfully detained. It also urged authorities to uphold due process, maintain institutional independence, and ensure a free and competitive democratic space.

The ADC called on relevant authorities, civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor developments in Kaduna State.

It warned that continued pressure on opposition figures could undermine democratic pluralism and public trust in governance if not addressed.

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The meeting was held in Ibadan on Tuesday ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It was attended by 26 local government chairmen of the party and state executive members of the party.

DAILY POST gathered that the leader of 10 local government areas in Oke Ogun geopolitical zone, Alhaji Ibrahim Durojaiye was also in attendance at the meeting.

SDP State Chairman, Hon. Michael Okunlola, while speaking, said that Oladele has all it takes to be the next governor of the state.

Although, details of the meeting were still sketchy as at the time of filing this report on Wednesday, our correspondent gathered that both the leaders of SDP and Oladele are finalising the process for his defection to the party.

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The decision followed an earlier announcement to rename the Artery Bypass during the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport and other landmark projects last Saturday.

In a related development, the former Aviation Village in Iperu has been renamed after the late Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, in recognition of his contributions to the community.

The Council also approved the procurement of 50 electricity transformers to improve power supply across the state under the Light Up Ogun Project.

Additionally, the Council approved the purchase of 20 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 12 Toyota Fortuner vehicles to support the administrative operations of public officials.

Further decisions include traditional leadership appointments and recognitions across various communities. The Council approved the declaration of the Olu of Odeda stool in Odeda Local Government Area.

It also ratified the appointment of Prince Adeyemi Ibikunle Opeaye as the Oludotun of Idotun in Ikenne Local Government Area, Chief Yaya Oriyomi as the Olu of Mowe, and Bashorun Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo as the Odemo of Ishara.

The approvals reflect the state government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, strengthened local governance, and community leadership.

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Ogbonna gave the commendation during a visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun, where he led a delegation of senior executives from the bank.

He said Ogun’s policies have gone beyond driving investment inflows, noting that they foster partnerships focused on long-term development and shared vision for the state’s future.

The Access Bank CEO also lauded the development of the Gateway International Airport, describing it as a landmark project that reflects bold leadership and strategic planning.

“I am extremely proud. Ogun State is making it a habit of showing Nigerians what a working democracy looks like,” he said, adding that the transformation of ideas into tangible infrastructure underscores the government’s commitment to excellence.

Ogbonna expressed satisfaction with the bank’s role in supporting the airport project, noting that Access Bank remains committed to financing initiatives that drive economic growth and development.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described Access Bank as a reliable development partner, praising its willingness to support the state’s vision from conception to execution.

“They saw the vision from the outset and backed it. A vision without funding is merely a hallucination,” the governor said.

He added that the collaboration highlights the importance of strong public-private partnerships in delivering impactful infrastructure and sustaining economic progress

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Agboke made this known on Tuesday during the continuation of stakeholders’ engagement meetings held across local government council areas in Osun State, disclosing that the directive for the suspension was issued by the national headquarters of the Commission, stressing that the decision remains binding.

Addressing stakeholders in Ife North, Ife Central, Ife East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East and Ilesa West, he emphasised that national development requires collective responsibility from all citizens.

He said the primary objective of the meeting was to foster dialogue, build trust, and gather firsthand information on challenges that could affect the smooth conduct of the election.

Key issues raised included voter apathy, logistical constraints, and the need for adequate security.

“The coming election involves everyone. Candidates of political parties must accept that God decides who wins and loses,” he said.

The REC appealed to transport unions, members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and security agencies to discharge their duties responsibly during the electoral process.

He warned corps members against engaging in electoral malpractice, alleging that some had previously been involved in misconduct.

“We still find corps members mutilating ballot results and conniving with politicians to sabotage the poll. Such corps members will be arrested, prosecuted and jailed.

“Be careful. Give yourself brain. Pay attention during training and make sure you do the right thing. Where we see unnecessary mutilation or cancellations, such persons responsible will be prosecuted,” he said.

He also cautioned transport unions against alleged conspiracy, noting that all transporters would be required to sign undertakings ahead of the election.

“If issues arise from any transporter, INEC will interpret it as sabotage and such transporter will be prosecuted. Don’t give room for any politician to use you to sabotage the electoral process. Transport workers engaged as ad hoc staff would not be eligible to vote on election day,” be stated.

The REC urged security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police, to ensure adequate protection of collation centres.

“I want security agencies led by the police to secure the collation centres with arms so as to forestall disruption and violence,” he added.

He maintained that the outcome of the election would ultimately be determined by the votes of the people of Osun State.

Meanwhile, representatives of political parties highlighted challenges including failure to capture voters in remote areas, inadequate access to the Continuous Voter Registration process, poor security in rural communities and network issues.

Some stakeholders also called on INEC to consider towns such as Asipa and Akinlalu for delineation to enhance effective voter registration.

Electoral officers and Divisional Police Officers across the local governments assured INEC of their readiness to ensure a peaceful process, pledging to address identified flashpoints and strengthen security arrangements ahead of the election.

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An analysis of various reports and statements from the NCS revealed that the products were intercepted in different parts of the country while being smuggled to neighbouring countries.

In October, The PUNCH reported that the NCS, through Operation Whirlwind, intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of PMS, equivalent to 49,500 litres and worth N80.4m, about to be smuggled to the Republic of Benin.

The former National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Kola Oladeji, an Assistant Controller-General of Customs (retd.), stated this while showcasing some of the seized contraband to journalists in Ikeja. Oladeji added that the contraband was intercepted at different flashpoints within Lagos and Ogun states over seven weeks.

Giving details of the seizures, Oladeji explained that the contraband was intercepted at various smuggling points within the Ajilete axis, Ijoun axis, Haro axis, Badagry axis, Owode Idiroko axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko axis within Lagos and Ogun states.

“The operatives, acting on credible intelligence and in line with our renewed mandate, successfully intercepted a total of 1,980 jerrycans of premium motor spirit totalling 49,500 litres at various smuggling flashpoints within the Ajilete axis, Ijoun axis, Haro axis, Badagry axis, Owode Idiroko axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko axis. The total duty-paid value of the intercepted petroleum products and the conveying vehicles is to the tune of ₦80.4m,” Oladeji said.

Also in October, the Kebbi Area Command of the NCS said it intercepted a total of 35,725 litres of PMS and other contraband items worth over ₦109.5m in a renewed crackdown on smuggling across the state’s borders.

A Comptroller of Customs, Mahmoud Ibrahim, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi. Ibrahim said the seizures were made through joint operations with Operation Whirlwind.

“Operation Whirlwind intercepted 14,750 litres of PMS valued at ₦8.85m, while officers of the Kebbi Command seized another 20,975 litres worth ₦12.58m in various flashpoints, including Bagudo, Tsamiya, Kamba, Lolo, Bunza, and Zuru/Mahakala. These interceptions underscore our unwavering commitment to safeguard national resources and protect the economy from sabotage. Fuel smuggling deprives the nation of vital revenue and poses serious safety risks.”

In December, it was reported that the NCS, through Operation Whirlwind, seized 284,006 litres of PMS valued at more than ₦181m from suspected smugglers operating around Adamawa State over two months.

According to Operation Whirlwind, “Officers recorded 55 seizures amounting to a duty-paid value of ₦181,603,515. The confiscated products included 284,006 litres of PMS stored in 2,642 jerrycans of 25 litres each, 11,256 litres found in a filling station, and 485 drums of 220-litre capacity.”

The report added that the intercepted products were being ferried to neighbouring countries through border routes in Adamawa State, noting that two large wooden boats used for transportation were also seized.

In January, the Adamawa/Taraba Command of the NCS said that within four weeks, it seized 1,868 jerrycans of 25 and 30 litres, a drum containing about 50,495 litres of PMS, as well as 10 bales and two sacks of second-hand clothing.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Customs Area Controller of the command, Muhammed Aminu Mako, disclosed this during a briefing on the command’s anti-smuggling operations at the Customs House in Yola.

He said the items were intercepted at different border locations in Adamawa and Taraba while officers were carrying out their statutory duties to curb smuggling and protect the Nigerian economy.

In February, Adeniyi, handed over 1,650 jerrycans of PMS worth ₦40.7m to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further investigation. Addressing journalists at the handover ceremony held at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Adeniyi said the seized fuel was intercepted at various locations, including Badagry, Owode, Seme, and other axes within Lagos State.

Represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller-General Abubakar Aliyu, Adeniyi said the contraband was intercepted over nine weeks.

“In the space of nine weeks, our operatives intensified surveillance and enforcement across critical border communities. A total of 1,650 jerrycans of 25 litres each were seized along smuggling routes, including Adodo, Seme, Owode Apa, Ajilete, Idjaun, Ilaro, Badagry, Idiroko, and Imeko. The total duty-paid value of the PMS is ₦40.7m,” Adeniyi said.

He added that three tankers used to transport the fuel were carrying 60,000, 45,000, and 49,000 litres respectively, totalling 154,000 litres of PMS. According to Adeniyi, the interception was the result of intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of Operation Whirlwind in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and energy security.

He explained that the transportation and movement of petroleum products are governed by regulatory frameworks and standard operating procedures designed to prevent diversion, smuggling, hoarding, and economic sabotage.

Also in early February, the NCS, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, said it arrested eight suspects in connection with the seizure of contraband, including 20,700 litres of PMS valued at ₦3.3bn. The Customs Area Controller in charge of the unit, Aliyu Gambo, disclosed this while showcasing some of the seized items to journalists at the command in Ikeja.

Gambo explained that since assuming office, the unit has recorded 144 interceptions of different smuggled items. He added that the contraband was intercepted along the South-West axis within the last five weeks.

Giving details of the interceptions, Gambo said that within the period under review, 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg and equivalent to 12 trailer loads, were seized.

“Others include 77 bags of foreign sugar, each weighing 50kg; 21 units of assorted tokunbo vehicles; 3,362 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil, 25 litres each; 20,700 litres of premium motor spirit; and 915 bales of used clothing. Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty-paid value of ₦3.3bn,” Gambo said.

In March, the NCS, through Operation Whirlwind, announced that it seized 14,375 litres of PMS valued at about ₦14.4m in its latest operation amid a hike in the pump price of petrol nationwide. The PMS, which has a duty-paid value of ₦14.375m, was intercepted in Calabar, Cross River State, and was bound for Cameroon.

Last week in Ikeja, Lagos, the NCS, through Operation Whirlwind, auctioned 14,875 litres of PMS worth ₦14.875m to members of the public. Addressing journalists during the auction exercise at the Customs Training College, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, a Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, said that the products were intercepted while being exported to a neighbouring country.

He added that the products, which have a duty-paid value of ₦14.875m, were intercepted within the Lagos/Ogun axis, all within Zone A, over four weeks. Aliyu added that the Service continues to uphold its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital assets, and tackling all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage.

The coordinator stressed that the efforts of the operation have been intensified through improved surveillance, stronger intelligence operations, and more robust enforcement activities along major routes identified for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products

Giving details of the products, he said they were intercepted within the last four weeks. “Over the past four weeks, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries.

“During this operation, a total of 595 jerrycans were intercepted, amounting to 14,875 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry. The total duty-paid value of the seized products stands at ₦14.875m,” Aliyu said.

He explained that the products had been earmarked for illegal export to neighbouring countries in contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.

Operation Whirlwind is a targeted anti-smuggling initiative designed to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. Its core aim is to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and ensure that petroleum products intended for local consumption are not unlawfully diverted for export.

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The operators, however, noted that the price relief would be guaranteed if the government reduced the price of crude supplied to the Dangote refinery, and they commended the increase in oil volumes supplied to the $20bn Lekki-based plant by NNPC last month.

Nigeria’s push to stabilise domestic fuel supply received a boost as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery disclosed that crude oil deliveries from NNPC doubled in March, amid global supply disruptions triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, revealed in a report by Bloomberg on Tuesday that the refinery received 10 cargoes of crude oil from the state-owned oil firm in March, compared to an average of about five cargoes monthly since late 2024.

Dangote said the shipments included six cargoes paid for in naira and four in dollars, under the crude supply arrangement between the refinery and the NNPC.

“Nigeria doubled crude supply to Dangote Refinery in March as Africa’s top oil producer moved to shore up fuel availability after the Iran war disrupted Middle East shipments. Last month, they gave us six cargoes with payments in naira and four cargoes with payments in dollars,” he stated.

The development comes as Nigeria moves to shore up local fuel production following disruptions in global oil supply chains caused by the recent US-Israel attack on Iran, which has affected crude flows from the Middle East.

The increase in crude allocation signals a strategic shift by the Federal Government to prioritise domestic refining capacity and reduce exposure to volatile international markets, a move industry operators say could support gradual price moderation if sustained.

Last week, reports indicated that NNPC had increased crude oil supply to the Dangote refinery, allocating seven cargoes for May loading to boost domestic fuel production.

Two trader sources had told Reuters that the latest allocation marked an increase from the five cargoes the refinery had been receiving in previous months. However, officials of the petroleum refinery later said they were unaware of claims that seven crude cargoes had been allocated to the plant for May.

Meanwhile, despite the latest improvement, Dangote noted that the refinery is still operating below its full capacity, as it requires about 19 cargoes of crude monthly to run optimally.

“The supply has improved, but it is not yet at the level we need. We still have to import crude from the United States and other African countries to meet our requirements,” he said.

The refinery, widely regarded as Africa’s largest, has increasingly relied on imports to bridge the shortfall, raising concerns about cost pressures in the downstream sector. Dangote warned that limited access to locally produced crude, particularly from international oil companies operating in Nigeria, is driving up operational costs.

According to him, many of the oil firms prefer to sell crude to international traders rather than supply directly to the refinery, forcing the plant to buy back Nigerian crude at higher prices.

“Some of the international oil companies would rather sell to traders. So, we end up buying our own crude at a premium. The higher we pay, the higher the cost of petroleum products will be, because we have to pass on the cost,” he explained.

The refinery’s growing role in regional energy supply has also come into sharper focus, as several African countries increasingly depend on its output amid global uncertainties.

Dangote disclosed that the refinery exported about 17 cargoes of petroleum products to other African nations in March alone, underscoring its emergence as a key supplier on the continent. “Many African countries now rely on us for their petroleum products, especially with the disruptions in the Middle East,” he said.

Beyond fuels, the refinery is also ramping up production of polypropylene, a key industrial material used in plastic manufacturing and automotive components, which Dangote described as being in short supply globally. “The demand for polypropylene is very high, and it is currently scarce because of what is happening in the Middle East,” he added.

The crude-for-naira deal between the NNPC and the Dangote refinery, signed in October 2024, was designed to enhance local refining, conserve foreign exchange, and stabilise fuel prices in Nigeria. However, implementation has faced challenges, including inconsistent crude supply and competition from international traders.

The refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products, which have historically strained the country’s foreign reserves.

Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have further highlighted the importance of domestic refining, as disruptions in global supply chains continue to affect fuel availability and pricing worldwide.

While increased crude allocation to the Dangote refinery is a step in the right direction, sustained supply and improved cooperation with oil producers will be critical to achieving full operational capacity and long-term energy security.

Commenting, the Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, said the delivery of 10 crude cargoes in March signals improved supply to local refineries, but warned that Nigerians may not feel the benefit through lower pump prices without government intervention.

Olatide said, “The 10 crude cargoes supply recorded in March is a good development because it indicates more crude supply and, by extension, more fuel availability. But without Federal Government intervention through crude subsidy to the Dangote refinery and other local refineries, Nigerians will continue to experience availability but unaffordability, as petrol and diesel prices are poised to hit N1,500 per litre and N2,000 per litre at the pump.”

He further explained that the pricing structure of crude supplied locally remains tied to international benchmarks, limiting the possibility of immediate price relief for consumers. “The six cargoes paid for in naira are still priced using international benchmarks, so Nigerians should not expect any drop in pump prices. What the Federal Government should do now is introduce crude subsidy,” he said.

Olatide warned of looming pressure in the downstream market, noting that diesel prices had already crossed a critical threshold at the depot level. “As I speak, diesel prices at the depot have just crossed N2,000 per litre, so there is a crisis ahead,” he added.

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A top official at the refinery, who confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday night, said the facility adjusted its pricing in response to prevailing international crude oil benchmarks and market realities.

The new pricing template shows that petrol rose by N75 per litre to N1,275, representing an increase of about 5.02 per cent, while diesel jumped by N200 per litre to N1,950.

This marks a sharp increase from last month’s prices of N1,200 per litre for petrol and N1,750 for diesel, signalling that diesel is now on track to breach the N2,000 per litre mark at the pump, further intensifying cost pressures across the economy.

“The adjustment is in line with global market trends. You are aware of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and how they have impacted crude oil prices. These are external factors that directly influence refined product pricing,” the official, who spoke in confidence due to the lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated.

He added, “Petrol has been reviewed upward by N75 to N1,275 per litre, which is about a five per cent increase, while diesel has increased more significantly by N200 to N1,950 per litre. These changes reflect the realities of the international market.”

Market data from Petroleumprice.ng corroborated the development, indicating that the latest petrol price reflects a 5.02 per cent increase at the gantry level.

The development comes at a time when stakeholders had hoped that increased local refining capacity would help stabilise domestic fuel prices. However, analysts say Nigeria remains exposed to global oil price volatility due to its reliance on international crude benchmarks for pricing.

The latest hike could trigger a fresh wave of increases in pump prices nationwide, with marketers expected to pass on the additional cost to consumers in the coming days.

Global oil markets have remained volatile in recent weeks due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, a region that accounts for a significant share of the world’s crude oil supply. Any disruption or perceived risk to supply routes often leads to price spikes, which in turn affect refined petroleum products globally.

Nigeria, despite being an oil-producing country, operates a deregulated downstream sector where fuel prices are largely determined by market forces. This means that local prices are influenced by international crude prices, exchange rates, logistics costs, and refinery operations.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest, was expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel and help stabilise prices. However, experts note that as long as crude oil pricing remains tied to global benchmarks, domestic fuel prices will continue to fluctuate in response to international developments.

The latest increase also comes amid concerns over affordability, with consumers already grappling with high energy and transportation costs. A sustained price increase could worsen inflationary pressures and slow economic recovery.

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