Nationwide Fuel Price Adjustments Follow Dangote Refinery's N96 Increase
Oil marketers across Nigeria have swiftly responded to a significant price adjustment from Dangote Petroleum Refinery, implementing new pump prices that now range between N839 and N900 per litre. This development comes directly after the refinery announced an upward revision of its ex-depot petrol price, marking a substantial N96 increase that has rippled through the entire downstream petroleum sector.
Refinery Announces New Pricing Structure
In a statement released late on Monday, January 27, 2026, Dangote Refinery disclosed that it had increased its petrol price from N739 to N835 per litre at the ex-depot level. The refinery established a new gantry price of N799 per litre, while specifically pegging petrol at MRS retail outlets at N839 per litre. This adjustment represents the most significant single price movement since the refinery began nationwide petrol sales in December.
The refinery explained that this price revision follows the conclusion of a temporary festive season price-support intervention that was implemented to ease financial pressures on Nigerian households during periods of increased expenditure. According to company officials, this marked the second consecutive festive period during which Dangote Refinery absorbed substantial costs in the national interest, including logistics support in 2024 and a price reduction in 2025 designed to encourage affordability and maintain market calm.
Immediate Market Response
By as early as 7 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, both major and independent marketers had revised their pump prices nationwide. Checks conducted across various regions revealed that NNPC retail stations were selling petrol at approximately N840 per litre, while Ardova Petroleum outlets maintained prices at N839 per litre. Some independent marketers, however, charged as high as N900 per litre, reflecting the varying operational costs and market dynamics across different locations.
The refinery expressed particular concern that numerous filling stations had failed to pass on previous price reductions to consumers, thereby denying Nigerians the intended relief during the festive period. This failure to transmit price benefits downward through the distribution chain has been cited as a contributing factor to the current pricing adjustments.
Commitment to Supply Stability
Despite the price increase, Dangote Refinery has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring steady supply and maintaining market stability. David Bird, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, stated that the facility continues to supply approximately 50 million litres of petrol daily to the domestic market, with distribution and evacuation operations functioning smoothly across the nation.
Bird explained that the refinery's flexible design enables it to process various crude oil grades and intermediate feedstocks, allowing uninterrupted Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) production even during scheduled maintenance periods. This technological capability, he emphasized, guarantees consistent supply to the Nigerian market regardless of external factors.
"As a domestic producer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to shield the Nigerian market from import-related volatility and external supply disruptions," Bird stated. "We remain a stabilizing force in the downstream petroleum sector, focused on delivering energy security, price stability, and long-term value for Nigerians."
Operational Enhancements and Market Impact
In related developments, Dangote Refinery has commenced 24-hour loading operations to sustain daily production levels and improve distribution efficiency. This round-the-clock operational model represents part of the refinery's comprehensive strategy to maintain steady output while prioritizing fuel security, price stability, and broader economic growth objectives for Nigeria.
The refinery's December initiative to begin nationwide petrol sales at N739 per litre through all MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations was described as a major step toward making fuel more affordable and stabilizing the downstream sector. However, the current price adjustment reflects the complex balance between maintaining operational viability and providing consumer relief in a dynamic market environment.
Industry observers note that while price increases inevitably create temporary challenges for consumers, the refinery's continued domestic production capacity helps mitigate the risks associated with imported fuel volatility. The ability to process various crude grades locally represents a significant advancement in Nigeria's journey toward energy independence and downstream sector stability.
