The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has attributed the long queues at MRS filling stations, which are backed by the Dangote Refinery, to the lower fuel price of N739 per liter. According to Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the association, this price difference is the main reason for the increased demand at these stations.
In an interview with Nairametrics, Ukadike noted that Nigerians tend to prefer lower-priced fuel, which is why the MRS filling stations are experiencing long queues. He further explained that it is not feasible for other filling stations and petrol marketers to sell petrol below the fixed price set by Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Refinery.
The Dangote Refinery had announced a fixed fuel price of N739 per liter for petrol in December last year, while other filling stations are selling the product at prices ranging from N815 to N839 per liter. This significant price difference has resulted in increased demand for fuel at MRS filling stations, leading to long queues.
The development highlights the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, where fluctuations in fuel prices have been a recurring issue. The fixed price set by the Dangote Refinery is an attempt to provide some stability in the market, but it also puts pressure on other marketers to reduce their prices.
As the demand for fuel continues to rise, it remains to be seen how other filling stations will respond to the competitive pricing set by the Dangote Refinery. The situation is being closely monitored by industry stakeholders, and any further developments are likely to have a significant impact on the Nigerian petroleum market. With the country’s fuel prices continuing to be a topic of discussion, the actions of major players like the Dangote Refinery will be crucial in shaping the industry’s future.
