In a surprising turn for motorists across Nigeria, petrol continues to be sold at N865 per litre at most fuel stations, despite the implementation of a logistics-free delivery scheme by Dangote Refinery that promised to drive down costs. While a handful of outlets—particularly some MRS stations in Lagos—have temporarily reduced prices to around N841, the vast majority of stations remain unmoved, preserving the status quo.
The new pricing anomaly has emerged even though Dangote’s partners are reportedly receiving petrol at N820 per litre under the distribution scheme that eliminates transport costs. Some marketers justify their failure to reduce prices by claiming they still hold older stock bought at higher rates, and say they will adjust once the new supplies arrive. Criticism is already mounting from industry watchers who argue the marketers have no valid reason to delay the cuts when the logistics burden has been removed.
On the ground, motorists have expressed frustration at long queues and perceived unfairness. At an MRS station in Alapere, Lagos, for instance, customers rushed to purchase fuel at the discounted price of N841, while nearby outlets held firm at N865. In Ogun State, on the Mowe–Ibafo stretch, a station reportedly escalated its price further to N875, while others like Heyden offered N863 and Ardova stuck to N865–N870.
Dangote’s logistics-free fuel distribution scheme—launched in mid-September—deploys over 1,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks as part of a larger 4,000-vehicle fleet, to deliver fuel directly to independent marketers. The refinery had projected that, under the new regime, pump prices would drop to about N841 in Lagos and the South-West, and N851 in states such as Abuja, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Kwara. But thus far, the anticipated relief has not been broadly realized, and consumers remain waiting.
A notable dissenting voice, a source within the refinery, has challenged the marketers’ stance: many had already received fresh supplies under the scheme and thus have little justification for price resistance. Yet, the refinery itself acknowledges it lacks the authority to fix pump prices—its role is limited to recommendation; marketers retain discretion. The National Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) reportedly shares that view.
Industry groups haven’t stayed silent. The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has criticized Dangote’s pricing approach for destabilizing market equilibrium, arguing that frequent price cuts—even if intended as goodwill—ignore broader supply dynamics and place undue pressure on competitors. Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery, which has disrupted the sector’s traditional pricing hierarchy, continues to reinforce its role as a key price influencer in Nigeria’s downstream oil landscape.
