Motorists in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory are raising their voices, calling on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to significantly increase the number of retail outlets selling its petrol. This urgent appeal comes as consumers struggle to access the product at the officially approved pump price of N739 per litre, due to a severe shortage of partner filling stations.
Long Queues and Limited Access Plague Motorists
Following Dangote Refinery's announcement appointing MRS Oil Nigeria Plc as its official retail partner, stations under the MRS brand have become the primary destination for drivers seeking relief from high fuel costs. However, the limited number of these outlets, particularly in Abuja, has led to frustratingly long queues and restricted access.
Investigations reveal a stark contrast in pricing across the capital. While most major marketers are selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at prices significantly above N800, the few MRS stations remain the lone bastion of the cheaper rate. For instance, NNPC Retail sells at about N835 per litre, TotalEnergies at N920, and Conoil at N910.
Consumers Voice Frustration and Plead for Expansion
At the MRS station on Airport Road, a civil servant, Mr. George Anosike, highlighted the core issue. He pointed out that the scarcity of MRS outlets in Abuja is directly preventing many from benefiting from the reduced price. "MRS stations are very few in Abuja, and with other filling stations selling above N800 per litre, Dangote can help the masses by increasing the number of stations selling its petrol," he stated.
Another motorist, Mr. Joachim Jimbiri, echoed this sentiment, urging Dangote to forge retail partnerships with more companies to make the fuel accessible to all FCT residents. He acknowledged the price reduction as a sign of the refinery's potential benefit to Nigeria but stressed that availability is key. "This is when we are beginning to see the real benefits of the Dangote Refinery. Nigerians want the refinery to succeed, but people must feel the impact through cheaper petrol," Jimbiri added.
Compliance Issues and Regulatory Action
The situation is further complicated by reports that not all MRS stations are adhering to the mandated price. Along the Nyanya-Karshi Road, checks on Tuesday showed that of three MRS stations, only one was dispensing fuel at N739. The other two were reportedly selling at around N910 per litre. In response to such practices, Dangote Refinery has launched a dedicated hotline for Nigerians to report any MRS station selling above the approved price.
The refinery has framed this initiative as a consumer protection measure aimed at ensuring price transparency. It has also warned against creating artificial scarcity and called on regulators to take action against offenders, while advising the public against purchasing petrol above the official rate.
The current scenario underscores a critical gap between production and distribution. While the Dangote Refinery's move to offer petrol at a lower price is a landmark development, its full impact on alleviating the fuel cost burden for ordinary Nigerians hinges on creating a robust and widespread retail network.
