Dangote Petroleum Refinery has rolled out petrol at N739 per litre across MRS Oil Nigeria Plc’s nationwide network, delivering unexpected relief to Nigerian consumers during a period traditionally marked by fuel scarcity and price surges. The development represents a strategic intervention in the country’s downstream petroleum sector, with the refinery guaranteeing daily supply of 50 million litres to maintain market stability throughout the festive season.
The announcement, made public on Sunday through an official statement from the refinery, confirms that the reduced pricing is now effective across MRS’s extensive distribution network of over 2,000 filling stations nationwide. According to the refinery, this pricing strategy is designed to make affordable fuel accessible to Nigerians whilst simultaneously stabilising the downstream petroleum market, which has historically experienced volatility during year-end festivities.
“We commend MRS and other marketers who have demonstrated patriotism by reflecting the reduced price at the pump. We call on others to join this effort as a show of support for Nigeria’s economic recovery,” the refinery stated in its official communication.
The timing of this price reduction is particularly significant, as Nigeria has routinely experienced fuel shortages and price increases during Christmas and New Year celebrations. By intervening at this critical juncture, Dangote Petroleum Refinery is disrupting established patterns of seasonal fuel crisis that have long plagued Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.
The refinery’s capacity to supply 50 million litres daily positions it as a formidable force in reshaping Nigeria’s petroleum supply dynamics. This production volume, refined domestically, reduces the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products—a shift with far-reaching implications for foreign exchange conservation, naira stability, and overall energy security.
According to the refinery’s statement, local refining at this scale insulates Nigeria from the volatility of global petroleum markets, where price fluctuations have historically been transmitted directly to Nigerian consumers through import-dependent supply chains. The sustained price cut and guaranteed supply are providing measurable relief to households, businesses, and transport operators across the country.
However, the refinery has issued a stern warning against attempts by what it termed “unscrupulous operators” to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction. In its statement, Dangote Petroleum Refinery called on regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take decisive action against such practices.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
The refinery has established a consumer reporting mechanism, advising Nigerians to report any MRS station selling petrol above N739 per litre by calling the dedicated line: 0800 123 5264. This reporting system is designed to ensure compliance with the reduced pricing across the distribution network and to protect consumers from exploitation.
The refinery also appealed to consumers to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when more affordable alternatives are readily available. “We encourage Nigerians to avoid buying PMS at excessively high prices when they can access locally refined fuel at N739 per litre from over 2,000 MRS stations nationwide,” the company said.
Beyond the immediate price relief, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has called on other petrol station operators to patronise its products, arguing that widespread adoption of the reduced pricing would ensure broad-based relief and contribute to a more stable downstream market. The refinery’s statement emphasised that its operations are anchored on long-term national interest rather than short-term market pressures.
The initiative marks a departure from Nigeria’s decades-long reliance on imported refined petroleum products, despite being a major crude oil producer. For years, the absence of functional domestic refining capacity has subjected Nigerian consumers to the vagaries of international petroleum markets, with fuel prices fluctuating in response to global supply disruptions, exchange rate volatility, and logistical challenges associated with importation.
With the Dangote Refinery now operational and supplying the domestic market, Nigeria is positioned to achieve greater energy independence. The refinery’s 650,000 barrels per day capacity makes it the largest single-train refinery in the world, with the potential to not only meet Nigeria’s domestic petroleum product needs but also to supply neighbouring West African countries.
The price of N739 per litre represents a significant reduction compared to prevailing market rates at many filling stations across Nigeria, where petrol has been selling for considerably higher amounts. The price relief comes at a time when Nigerian households and businesses are grappling with elevated costs of living and operational expenses, driven in part by high transportation costs linked to fuel prices.
Transport operators, who constitute a major consumer segment for petroleum products, stand to benefit substantially from the price reduction. Lower fuel costs translate directly into reduced transportation expenses, with potential knock-on effects on the prices of goods and services across the economy.
For businesses, particularly those in manufacturing and logistics, the guaranteed daily supply of 50 million litres provides a level of predictability that has been notably absent from Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain. This predictability enables better operational planning and cost management, contributing to improved business confidence and economic stability.
The refinery’s statement concluded with a reaffirmation of its commitment to steady supply, price moderation, and energy security. “Our objective remains clear: to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality petroleum products at affordable prices for Nigerians, while supporting economic stability and reducing dependence on imports,” the refinery stated.
