Nigerian petrol marketers are considering abandoning the Dangote Refinery’s petrol supply in favour of cheaper imported fuel as a new round of price competition grips the downstream oil market.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) disclosed that the landing cost of imported petrol has fallen to about ₦839.97 per litre, nearly ₦37 cheaper than the Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot price of ₦877 per litre.
IPMAN spokesperson, Chinedu Ukadike, who spoke with journalists on Friday, said the ongoing liberalisation of the sector has opened the door for a “price war” among players.
> “The deregulation policy means marketers now have a choice. They can buy at ₦877 from Dangote or ₦839 from importers under MEMAN. Naturally, we’ll go for the cheaper option — that’s the reality of competition,” Ukadike said.
He questioned why petrol from a local refinery should cost more than imported products, adding that market forces will ultimately determine the direction of prices.
> “Our business thrives on affordability. When fuel is cheaper, it moves faster. So Nigerians want us to bring in what is most economical,” he added.
Checks revealed that ex-depot prices from private operators such as Emedab, Gulf Treasure, Ardova and Bono Energy hovered around ₦875 per litre, marginally below Dangote’s rate.
As of Friday night, retail pump prices in Abuja ranged between ₦950 and ₦965 per litre across filling stations operated by NNPCL, MRS, Ranoil, Total and Emedab.
Industry insiders suggest that the ongoing price contest could force a downward review of pump prices in the coming days, depending on market dynamics and availability.
Recent figures from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) indicate that Nigerians consumed over 613 million litres of petrol between 2024 and October 10, 2025.
Dangote Refinery, which boasts a 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity, has faced supply setbacks in recent months, leaving marketers frustrated after making advance payments for products yet to be delivered.
