The price of automotive gas oil, also known as diesel, has hit N625 per litre in some fuel stations.

This is 4 percent higher than the N540/litre it sold last week — and about a 30 percent increase in the two weeks.

It was reported that the ex-depot price crossed N500/litre, causing fuel stations to adjust their pump prices to current realities.

The development is coming amid fears that the United States and its European allies will ban imports of Russian crude.

On Monday, global oil prices hit their highest level since 2008 at over $130 a barrel before pulling back to trade around $120 a barrel.

Luke Ofojebe, head of research, Vetiva Capital, said the hike in diesel price was due to disruption in the global oil market.

Ofojebe said the reason is that Nigeria still depends on imported petroleum products from other advanced countries — and high oil prices translate to high landing costs for the products.

Since petrol is regulated, its pump price will remain relatively stable but will lead to high subsidy expenses on the part of the government.

The Cable