Media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, has criticised the Federal Government over the latest increase in petrol prices, warning that continued economic hardship could push Nigerians to the streets.

Shaibu made the remarks in a post on X on Tuesday while reacting to the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) following Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s upward review of its gantry price.

Drawing a comparison with recent protests in Syria, Shaibu wrote: “Syria raised fuel prices by 40% overnight & the people poured into the streets.”

He accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of repeatedly increasing fuel prices and worsening the economic burden on ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, “@officialABAT raised Nigeria’s fuel price several times over, crushed household incomes, inflated transport and food costs, and his propagandists still ask Nigerians to clap for ‘reforms.’”

Shaibu further warned that governments should not underestimate the impact of prolonged economic hardship on citizens.

He stated: “There is a limit to how much hardship any government can impose before patience becomes protest.”

His comments come days after Dangote Petroleum Refinery increased its gantry price of petrol from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre, prompting filling stations across Abuja to raise pump prices to between N1,395 and N1,430 per litre.

The latest increase has sparked concerns among economists, marketers and consumers over its likely impact on transportation costs, food prices and the overall cost of living, with experts warning that persistent fuel price hikes could further fuel inflation and place additional pressure on household budgets.

The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to Shaibu’s latest comments.