Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery's promise to slash the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), many filling stations across Nigeria's major cities are still charging consumers exorbitant prices. Checks conducted over the weekend revealed a stark disconnect between the refinery's announced rates and the reality at the pump, leaving motorists frustrated.
Lagos Stations Hold Firm on High Prices
In Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, the anticipated price drop has largely failed to materialize. A survey of major corridors showed that several outlets are still dispensing fuel at rates far above the expected new benchmark.
At a BOVAS filling station in Ojodu, petrol sold for ₦820 per litre, while an NNPC retail outlet in Berger charged ₦825. Major marketers like Mobil, TotalEnergies, and ConOil were reportedly selling within the range of ₦850 to ₦890 per litre in various parts of the city.
An attendant at an MRS filling station in Alagbole provided a common explanation, stating they were still selling old stock purchased at higher costs. "We are selling at ₦850 because we still have old stock. Once we take delivery at the new price, we will adjust to ₦740 per litre from Monday," the attendant explained to The Nation.
Sharp Regional Disparities in Fuel Costs
The situation varies dramatically across the country, highlighting uneven supply chains and local market dynamics. Reports from states like Oyo, Delta, and Enugu indicate pump prices ranging between ₦830 and ₦900 per litre.
In some parts of Delta State, the situation is particularly severe, with petrol reportedly selling for as high as ₦990 per litre. This creates a significant burden for residents and businesses in those regions, undermining the potential nationwide benefit of the refinery's output.
In a contrasting development, Abuja has emerged as an early adopter of the new pricing. Several filling stations operated by NNPC, Ardova, AA Rano, BOVAS, and MRS in the Federal Capital Territory are now selling petrol at ₦739 per litre, which is about ₦70 cheaper than the prevailing prices in Lagos.
IPMAN Backs Dangote, Hopes for January Relief
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has thrown its weight behind the Dangote Refinery. IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi, recently urged members to patronize the facility, citing its lower prices and plans for improved logistics.
He disclosed that a key development expected to drive prices down further is the planned commencement of free nationwide delivery of PMS directly to registered marketers in January 2026. This initiative, if effectively implemented, could significantly reduce distribution bottlenecks and operating expenses, allowing savings to be passed to the end consumer.
The Dangote Refinery has announced the resumption of this free direct delivery service, offering a new gantry price of ₦699 per litre to retail outlets. This move is seen as a strategic push to deepen its market presence and alleviate the persistent pricing pressures in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector.
For now, Nigerian motorists must navigate a patchwork of fuel prices, with the promise of cheaper petrol from the Dangote Refinery yet to be fully realized at pumps across most of the country. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how quickly the new supply arrangements translate into widespread price reductions.
