The Dangote Refinery has stated that it is selling petrol at N960 per litre for deliveries by ship and N990 per litre for truck supplies.
This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding fuel pricing in Nigeria, particularly in response to claims by fuel marketers that imported petrol can be offered at lower rates.
In a statement released on Sunday, November 1, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, clarified the company’s pricing strategy.
He noted that following the deregulation of the fuel market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) had established a benchmark price of N971 per litre for petrol sold to domestic marketers via ships and maintained N990 for truck deliveries.
In contrast, Dangote has opted to price its ship deliveries at N960, reflecting a commitment to competitive pricing while keeping the truck rate at N990.
Chiejina addressed the allegations from marketers asserting that cheaper imported petrol is available, firmly stating that any petrol priced lower than Dangote’s offerings is likely substandard.
He warned that such imports pose risks not only to public health but also to the longevity of vehicles, as they could contain lower-quality components harmful to engines.
The refinery criticized the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for lacking adequate laboratory facilities to effectively monitor the quality of imported fuel.
This oversight could allow substandard products to infiltrate the market, undermining consumer safety.
Chiejina emphasised that the refinery’s pricing aligns with international standards and reflects a strategy aimed at bolstering the domestic refining industry. He pointed out that many countries implement protective measures for their local industries to foster economic growth and job creation.
As examples, he referenced the United States and European nations, which have enacted tariffs on electric vehicles and microchips to shield their markets.
Moreover, the Dangote Refinery expressed confidence in the integrity of its products, asserting that it initiated sales at these competitive prices without complete clarity on the exchange rates for crude oil purchases.
This step demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, locally refined petrol, while also urging Nigerians to support domestic production over potentially harmful imports.
