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Isreali-Palestinian conflict sparks fresh fears of fuel price hike

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Numerous petrol stations in various parts of Abuja failed to dispense Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, on Monday, causing alarm among motorists and residents who feared a potential resurgence of fuel shortages in the Nigerian capital.

Atlantic Reporters’ investigation revealed that several fuel stations in the Kubwa and Bwari areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were devoid of fuel, leaving drivers who stopped for refueling informed that the product was unavailable.

Consequently, queues formed at select filling stations along the Kubwa expressway that still had fuel in supply.

Concerned motorists, alarmed by the unavailability of fuel, resorted to panic buying, expressing concerns of an impending increase in petrol prices.

This speculation of a possible price hike comes just two days after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) refuted reports of an impending price hike, affirming its commitment to maintaining existing prices. The NNPCL stated in an official message on its X handle on Friday, October 6, “Dear esteemed customers, we at NNPC Retail value your patronage and we do not have the intention to increase our PMS pump prices as widely speculated.”

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Nevertheless, Atlantic Reporters’ inquiries indicated that the recent speculation primarily stemmed from concerns related to the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza.

Reports emerged on Monday, October 9, indicating that global oil prices surged due to apprehensions that the situation in Israel and Gaza could disrupt oil output in the Middle East.

Brent Crude, the international benchmark, reportedly surged by $2.25 per barrel to $86.83. Similarly, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude, the United States’ benchmark, rose by $2.50 per barrel to $85.30.

According to Reuters, oil prices escalated by over 3 percent on Monday as the military clashes between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas sparked fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Brent crude reportedly climbed by $2.70, or 3.2 percent, to $87.28 a barrel by 11:43 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose by $2.78 or 3.4 percent, reaching $85.57 a barrel. Both benchmarks saw an increase of more than $4 per barrel earlier in the session.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza appears to have the potential to impact the global economy, akin to the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, oil prices soared, eventually surpassing $120 per barrel in June 2023. Despite being one of the world’s major oil-producing nations, Nigeria imports refined petroleum products, rendering it susceptible to fluctuations in international oil prices.

Katch Ononuju, an international affairs analyst, explained that the spike in international oil prices resulting from the Israeli-Palestinian crisis was virtually inevitable. He further suggested that the recent conflict aimed to involve the United States in negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, with the goal of fostering peace between the two nations.

Hamas initiated a military attack on Israel on Saturday, leading to retaliatory Israeli air strikes on Gaza, a Palestinian-occupied territory. CBS NEWS reported a death toll of over 1,200 people on both sides, including nine Americans. The escalation of the conflict is anticipated, with Israel’s mobilization of 100,000 reservists for military engagement.

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Cybersecurity levy, others: ‘This is basis of life, Nigerians need to adjust’ – Bwala

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Former lawmaker, Senator Daniel Bwala, says Nigerians need to adjust to the current economic realities in the country.

He stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions on Channels Television programme.

Bwala disagreed with the claim that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

According to him, Nigerians will not be in hardship situation forever, adding that they will need to adjust.

He said: “It depends on who is assessing, what is the motive behind the assessment. Just like we would have water in the bottle, someone says it is half full another says it half empty. But what we should be generally looking at are the numbers. Also looking at the context and perspective from which we look at things.

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“Nobody, I think, is in doubt about the fact that when the President took that hard decision, which is a necessary decision, it is not a convenient decision, that there must be a temporary hardship; there must be a period like period of childbirth; there must be a period of inconveniences; there must be a period of personal sacrifices. When you are confronted with a period like that, what is required of you is adjustment, because they say trouble doesn’t always last. You will not be in that situation forever. But you will need to adjust. This is the basis of life.”

“I don’t think the President is denying the fact that this is a period in the lives of Nigerian people where things are hard. He has said it over and over again.”

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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CBN releases list of licensed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has released a list containing 44 licensed deposit money banks in the country. This disclosure was made through a list published on the CBN’s official website on Tuesday.

As of April 26, 2024, seven banks, namely Zenith Bank, Access Bank, First Bank, First City Monument Bank, United Bank of Africa, Fidelity, and Guaranty Trust Bank, hold Commercial Banking licenses with international authorization.

Additionally, fifteen banks possess commercial banking licenses with National Authorization, while four banks have commercial banking licenses with regional authorization. Furthermore, there are four non-interest banks with national authorization.

The CBN also revealed that the country has six merchant banks operating with national authorization. Moreover, the number of financial holding companies has increased to seven.

In addition to these, there is a representative office of a Mauritius commercial bank in the country.

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This list follows the CBN’s decision to raise the minimum capital requirement for all banks in Nigeria, aimed at bolstering the resilience of the country’s financial sector.

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State Police now imperative – Senator Nwebonyi

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Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Nigerian Senate and representative of Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has voiced his support for the proposed implementation of State Police. Nwebonyi, also a member of the Senate Constitution Review Committee, shared his views during an interview with AIT’s program “Inside Parliament” shortly after the plenary session on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The seasoned lawmaker and senior lawyer emphasized the necessity of establishing state police forces to address the pervasive security challenges across the nation, which have overwhelmed the federal police.

In addition to endorsing the proposed State Police, Senator Nwebonyi reiterated his opposition to the anticipated increase in electricity tariffs. He maintained that considering the current dire economic situation faced by Nigerians, any discussion of tariff hikes reflects a lack of sensitivity.

As the Nigerian representative at the ECOWAS parliament, Senator Nwebonyi urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the bold economic policies implemented by the administration will soon yield positive results for all citizens.

Furthermore, Senator Nwebonyi expressed optimism about the ongoing constitutional amendment, affirming that it will address governance loopholes. He highlighted the significance of the amendment, particularly in light of the fact that the current constitution was crafted during military rule.

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Regarding the 2024 budget, Senator Nwebonyi assured Nigerians that its abundant provisions will soon translate into tangible benefits for the populace. He affirmed that the forthcoming benefits align with the overarching goals of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

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