Despite receiving petrol from Dangote Refinery at a reduced ex-depot price of ₦820 per litre with zero logistics cost, most major marketers across Nigeria have refused to lower pump prices at their filling stations.
Findings on Sunday revealed that major partners of the refinery — including Heyden, Ardova, and AP — still sell petrol for ₦865 per litre. Only a few MRS stations in Lagos adjusted their prices slightly to ₦841 per litre, sparking long queues as motorists rushed to buy cheaper fuel. In contrast, some outlets in Ogun State still sold petrol as high as ₦875 per litre.
Recall that the Dangote Refinery launched a logistics-free fuel distribution initiative on September 15, using over 1,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to deliver petrol directly to filling stations. The move was expected to bring down the pump price to between ₦841 and ₦851 per litre across states.
However, nearly three weeks after the announcement, the expected price drop has not materialised. Many marketers claim they still have old stock purchased at higher costs, while a refinery insider insists most have already received the new supply and have “no justification” for maintaining the higher rates.
“It’s unfair to keep selling at ₦865 when they’re getting the product at ₦820 without paying for transport,” a Dangote Refinery source said, adding that while the refinery cannot legally enforce pricing, it expects partners to act in good faith.
Meanwhile, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) criticised Dangote’s frequent price adjustments, saying the refinery’s pricing strategy often causes market instability and puts pressure on other importers.
For now, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and most independent marketers have also maintained old prices, leaving consumers frustrated despite Dangote’s promise of cheaper fuel.
