Nigerians are increasingly opting for cheaper petrol at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other retail outlets, following a noticeable price disparity in the market. This shift in consumer preference has led to a decline in patronage at some filling stations supplied by Dangote Refinery, including those owned by Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata, half-brother of Dangote Refinery Chairman, Aliko Dangote.
A visit to MRS filling stations in Abuja revealed that petrol is being sold at N945 per liter, which is N25 higher than the prices at nearby NNPCL and AA RANO stations, where fuel is sold for N920 per liter. The higher price has resulted in reduced customer turnout since November 2025, according to a manager at one of the MRS stations. The manager attributed the decline in sales to the price difference, stating that management had issued a circular to reduce the pump price to N920, but it has not been implemented.
The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, confirmed the challenge posed by unstable pricing in the downstream sector. He cautioned against focusing solely on cheaper prices, noting that unrealistic fuel pricing could create deeper supply problems. Gillis-Harry emphasized the need to stabilize PMS pricing, advising Nigerians to prioritize accurate pricing over cheap prices that may lead to future supply issues.
The price disparity has been exacerbated by recent reductions in fuel prices at NNPCL and other stations, which have pushed pump prices in Abuja and surrounding areas to between N920 and N945 per liter. As of Monday, December 8, 2025, ex-depot fuel prices stood at N826 per liter at Dangote Refinery, N825 at Aiteo, and N835 at MENJ, among others. The ongoing price war is expected to continue, with consumers likely to prioritize cheaper options. The development highlights the need for a stable and competitive pricing regime in the downstream sector to ensure a consistent supply of petroleum products.