Economists fault FG’s 30-day petrol discount plan

Say it’s subsidy in disguise, warn it may trigger scarcity
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Economists and development experts have faulted the Federal Government’s planned 30-day petrol discount, warning that the initiative could encourage hoarding, trigger scarcity and offer only temporary relief to Nigerians amid rising fuel prices.
They argued that the short duration of the intervention could encourage petroleum marketers to stockpile products during the discount period and sell them at higher prices after it expires.
The experts also questioned the sustainability of the measure, with one describing it as a subsidy in disguise and urging the government to prioritise productive in...