Nigerian petroleum product marketers have announced plans to abandon Dangote Refinery’s petrol in favor of cheaper imported fuel. According to Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike, the decision is driven by a recent drop in the landing cost of imported fuel to N839.97 per litre— N37 cheaper than Dangote Refinery’s gantry price of N877 per litre. The price disparity stems from the liberalisation and deregulation of the country’s downstream sector, which has set the stage for a price war among marketers.
Ukadike noted that marketers now have the option to buy either from Dangote Refinery at N877 per litre or from other sources, such as MEMAN, at N839 per litre. He questioned why a local refinery like Dangote would sell petrol at a higher price than imported alternatives, emphasizing that marketers prioritize cheaper fuel because it sells faster. As of Friday, ex‑depot prices of other petroleum products—including Emedab, Gulf Treasure, Ardova and Bono—stood at N875 per litre, while Dangote Refinery’s price remained at N877 per litre. At retail outlets in Abuja, petrol was being sold between N950 and N965 per litre.
The ongoing price war among operators may lead to a reduction in the current retail price in the coming days. Recent data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) show that Nigerians consumed 613.6 million litres of petrol between 2024 and 10 October 2025. This development comes amid concerns over Dangote Refinery’s non‑supply of petrol despite having received billions of naira in payments from marketers. The refinery has been experiencing a supply setback, resulting in a nationwide petrol shortage.
The decision by marketers to opt for cheaper imported fuel could have significant implications for the Nigerian petroleum industry. As the market continues to evolve, petrol price will remain a key factor in determining demand and supply dynamics. With the current price war, Nigerian consumers may soon benefit from reduced retail prices, providing some relief from the high cost of petroleum products.
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