Nigeria Fuel Pricing Confusion: IPMAN Questions NNPCL’s Strategy with Dangote Petrol

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) questions the pricing of petrol from Dangote Refinery, which is higher than imported petrol. NNPCL's claim of acquiring Dangote petrol at N898 per litre has been disputed by the refinery, raising concerns about pricing discrepancies amid Nigeria's ongoing fuel crisis.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised concerns over the pricing of petrol sold by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) from the Dangote Refinery, arguing that it is illogical for the local product to be priced higher than imported petrol.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, IPMAN National Welfare Officer John Kekeocha expressed his bewilderment at the pricing strategy. He noted, “If NNPC can sell Dangote products higher than the imported products, then it doesn’t make sense. What is the celebration we are having all this while then?”

The NNPCL recently began distributing petrol sourced from the Dangote Refinery at a cost of N898 per litre. However, while petrol from the Dangote facility is being sold at N950 per litre in Lagos and N1,019 in Borno, petrol from other sources remains cheaper at around N855 per litre.

In response, Dangote Refinery spokesman Anthony Chiejina refuted NNPCL's claims, calling them “misleading and mischievous.” He clarified that the refinery sells petrol in U.S. dollars, emphasizing that this pricing structure still allows for significant savings compared to imported products.

The ongoing fuel crisis in Nigeria, where citizens are struggling with skyrocketing prices—now exceeding N1,000 per litre since subsidy removal in May 2023—highlights the urgency for clarity and fairness in fuel pricing. As the Dangote Refinery aims to reach its full production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the situation remains tense, with many Nigerians dependent on consistent and affordable fuel.