Business
Like Nigeria, Angola cuts petrol subsidy to promote solid economic growth
Angola says it has decided to reduce its spending on petrol subsidy.
After the cabinet meeting on Thursday in Luanda, the country’s capital, Manuel Junior, minister of state for economic coordination, said the subsidy reduction will take effect from Friday.
He said this would lead to an increase in the price of petrol from the current 160 kwanzas (about $0.27) per litre, to 300 kwanzas (about $0.51) per litre.
The change in price represents an 87.5 percent rise, starting from 1.00 am, on Friday.
Subsidies on other petroleum products, such as diesel, cooking oil, and gasoil (a type of diesel), will remain unchanged, he said.
The minister said the removal of petrol subsidy is “a necessary measure to promote solid economic growth capable of addressing the serious problems facing the country”.
Junior said Angola’s expenditures on fuel subsidies amounted to $3.8 billion in 2022.
On her part, Vera Daves, minister of finance of Angola, said removing the petrol subsidy was a sovereign decision of the Angolan state and was not influenced by external pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to a government report obtained by Xinhua, Angola’s ministry of finance had put forth a proposal for a phased reduction of petrol subsidy beginning in the second quarter of 2023.
The report also recommended a gradual and progressive removal of the subsidy on diesel and illuminating oil prices, with the process projected to last until 2025.
Angola has the fourth-lowest petrol prices in the world ($0.28) after Libya, Iran, and Venezuela, according to data compiled by Globalpetrolprices.com.
According to a report released on May 11 by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Angola is Africa’s top crude oil producer, with production averaging 1.06 million barrels per day in April.
The country’s petrol subsidy cutback comes at a time when Nigeria, Africa’s major oil-producing country, is experiencing post-subsidy realities.
Business
Nigeria’s GDP rate grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, says NBS
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.
Business
Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.
This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.
The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.
Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.
“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”
Business
Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank
Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.
The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.
“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.
“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.
“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.
“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.
“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.
“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.
“We remain committed to serving our customers.”
-
Business1 week ago
Lagos state government to commence upgrade of major junctions in Ikeja axis, seeks residents’ cooperation
-
Politics1 week ago
DSS operatives arrest man with bags of cash during Ondo guber
-
Celebrities1 week ago
Daddy Freeze, Akah Nnani clash over Emmanuel Iren
-
Special Features3 days ago
Iyabo Ojo, Brainjotter, Dayo Oketola, Penzaarville, Tomiwa and others to speak at the Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0
-
News1 week ago
Alice Loksha, abducted UNICEF nurse, escapes captivity after 6 years
-
News1 week ago
Nnamdi Emeh: Suspect Facing Charges In Court, Process Independent Of Police Influence
-
Health1 week ago
Five ways to rid your home of ants
-
Politics1 week ago
Aiyedatiwa takes commanding lead in Ondo guber poll after winning 15 of 18 LGAs