Despite Dangote Refinery’s initiative to distribute petrol with no logistics costs, filling stations continue to sell at the same high prices, leaving motorists frustrated.
Petrol remains priced at N865 per litre, even after Dangote Refinery’s partners, including Heyden, AP, MRS, and others, began receiving supplies at N820 per litre, with free logistics. A few stations, like MRS in Lagos, have adjusted prices slightly, offering fuel at N841 per litre, but most stations have kept prices unchanged.
Motorists in areas such as Ogun State are seeing prices as high as N875 per litre at some stations, while others continue to charge between N865 and N870 per litre. The expected price reduction following the rollout of over 1,000 CNG-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution has not materialized, raising concerns.
An anonymous source at Dangote Refinery expressed frustration, stating, “It’s unfair to keep selling at old rates. They are receiving the product at N820 per litre with free logistics, yet they’re still selling higher. That’s not right.” However, the refinery has no authority to enforce pump prices, as NMDPRA regulations do not permit fixed rates.
Despite receiving new supplies, marketers argue that old stock purchased at higher prices is the reason behind the delay in price adjustments. But the refinery insists that there are no justifiable reasons for maintaining high prices, especially as more stations receive direct deliveries.
Stakeholders have also voiced concerns over the timing of Dangote’s price adjustments. The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) criticized the refinery’s strategy, stating that it disrupts market stability and creates price shocks.
“Claims that repeated fuel price reductions by the Dangote Refinery are patriotic overlook their timing and market impact,” said DAPPMAN Executive Secretary Olufemi Adewole.
