In a significant move to enforce compliance and protect consumers, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has officially launched a dedicated hotline for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations found selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the government-approved price of N739 per litre.
Enforcing Price Transparency Amid Market Disruption
The initiative, announced on December 23, 2025, is a direct response to reports that some MRS stations, a key partner of the refinery, were ignoring the new pricing directive. Dangote Refinery recently slashed its gantry price to N699, setting a recommended pump price of N739 for its partner outlets. The hotline, 0800 123 5264, is now active nationwide and represents a frontline effort to ensure the benefits of locally refined fuel reach the final consumer without exploitation.
The refinery's management has been proactive, not only announcing the hotline but also conducting visits to various stations to enforce the new price regime. In a firm statement, Dangote Refinery advised Nigerians to avoid purchasing fuel at inflated prices and to immediately report any violations. "We encourage Nigerians to avoid buying PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre," the refinery stated.
Commitment to Steady Supply and Regulatory Action
Beyond consumer protection, Dangote Refinery used the occasion to reaffirm its production capacity and warn against market manipulation. The facility stated it has the capacity to produce up to 50 million litres of PMS daily, ensuring a steady supply that should prevent artificial scarcity.
The refinery issued a stern warning against attempts by some operators to create artificial shortages or manipulate supply chains in reaction to the price reduction. It further called on regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take decisive action against any practices that threaten fair pricing and fuel availability in the country.
Broader Impact on Nigeria's Fuel Market
The introduction of the hotline and the aggressive pricing strategy by Dangote Refinery is causing a major upheaval in Nigeria's downstream oil sector. Analysis indicates a dramatic shift, with petrol evacuations from the refinery surging and daily gantry loading now exceeding 2,000 trucks.
Key strategic changes implemented by the refinery include:
- A new 10-day bank guarantee framework for marketers.
- A reduction of the minimum purchase volume from 2 million litres to 250,000 litres.
These disruptive moves have forced other major oil marketers to significantly cut their prices, marking a potential turning point for the market. The refinery emphasized that large-scale local refining is crucial for reducing Nigeria's reliance on imported fuel, conserving foreign exchange, supporting the Naira, and strengthening national energy security.
Consumers are ultimately advised to be vigilant, resist buying overpriced petrol, and use the provided hotline to report erring MRS stations as the refinery collaborates with relevant agencies to ensure widespread compliance.
