Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, has issued a direct appeal to Nigerians, urging them not to pay more than the official price of seven hundred and thirty-nine Naira (N739) for a litre of petrol. This call to action comes as his Dangote Petroleum Refinery commences nationwide sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at this new, lower rate.
Consumer Hotline Activated for Price Enforcement
To ensure compliance and protect consumers, the refinery has taken a significant step by launching a dedicated national hotline. The number, 0800 123 5264, is now active for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling station found selling fuel above the mandated N739 per litre. This initiative, announced in a statement on Monday, December 22, 2025, is designed to foster transparency and ensure the benefits of the price reduction directly reach the public across more than 2,000 MRS outlets.
The refinery's statement was unequivocal: "We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at ₦739 per litre. Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline." The company framed this as a collective action necessary to enforce fair pricing nationwide.
Refinery Assures Ample Supply, Warns Against Sabotage
Addressing potential concerns about fuel availability, Dangote Refinery moved to dismiss fears of shortages. The company disclosed that it is currently supplying up to 50 million litres of petrol daily to the market, a volume it states is sufficient to meet national demand. It issued a stern warning to marketers against any attempts to create artificial scarcity in reaction to the price cut, describing such actions as unpatriotic and unacceptable, particularly during the festive season when travel and demand increase.
The refinery urged regulatory agencies to remain vigilant and take decisive action against any operators trying to undermine the new pricing regime. It also advised consumers to resist panic buying and to avoid patronizing stations that flout the official price.
Broader Impact on Nigeria's Economy
Beyond the immediate relief at the pump, Dangote Refinery highlighted the wider economic significance of its operations. The company emphasized that domestic fuel production on this scale is reducing Nigeria's heavy reliance on imported petroleum products. This shift is crucial for conserving foreign exchange, supporting the stability of the Naira, and ultimately strengthening the nation's energy security.
The refinery described this phase of local PMS sales at a reduced price as a major milestone in Nigeria's journey toward economic recovery and sustainable energy solutions.
However, reports from the weekend preceding the announcement indicated that challenges remain. Checks in Lagos showed several filling stations, including some major brands, were still selling petrol at prices significantly higher than N739, with rates observed between N820 and N825 per litre, underscoring the need for the newly launched monitoring mechanism.
