A viral WhatsApp message in October 2025 claimed that the National Assembly had passed a “Fuel Stabilization Act” that mandated a flat pump price of ₦1,000 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across all 36 states. The message alleged that any fuel station charging above or below this price would be permanently sealed. This sparked panic buying in several cities as citizens feared a sudden price hike in areas where fuel was cheaper.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has debunked this claim, stating that the downstream sector remains deregulated in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Authority explained that while prices fluctuate based on global crude oil trends and local logistics, there is no “fixed price law” in existence. The agency noted that prices in October 2025 actually showed signs of moderation in some regions due to improved supply from local refineries.
The Senate Committee on Petroleum also issued a statement confirming that no such bill was ever debated or passed. The spread of this rumor has been linked to unscrupulous marketers looking to create artificial scarcity to justify hoarding. The public is advised that official price advisories are only issued by the NMDPRA and that the “Uniform Fuel Price” story is a complete fabrication.
