Dangote Refinery Moves to Stabilise Fuel Market as Petrol Sells at ₦739 Per Litre Nationwide Through MRS Stations

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has taken another decisive step in reshaping Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector by announcing a nationwide retail price of ₦739 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across all MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations. The refinery also urged Nigerians to report any MRS outlet selling above the approved price, signaling a firm stance against price manipulation and artificial scarcity.

In a statement released by the refinery, the company confirmed that the sale of petrol at ₦739 per litre has officially commenced nationwide, marking a major milestone in its long-stated objective of delivering affordable fuel, ensuring steady supply, and restoring stability to Nigeria’s volatile fuel market. With over 2,000 MRS filling stations spread across the country, the refinery said the new pricing framework is designed to ensure that the benefits of local refining reach consumers in every region, not just major cities.

According to Dangote Refinery, this intervention comes at a critical time. Historically, the festive season in Nigeria has been synonymous with fuel scarcity, long queues at filling stations, and sudden price hikes that place additional pressure on households, businesses, and transport operators. This year, however, the refinery says it has deliberately chosen to intervene in the market to reverse that trend, offering Nigerians some relief at a time when they typically brace for hardship.

The company disclosed that its ability to guarantee a daily supply of up to 50 million litres of petrol fundamentally changes the dynamics of fuel availability during peak demand periods. By refining petroleum products locally at scale, Dangote Refinery noted that Nigeria is gradually reducing its dependence on imported fuel, which has long exposed the country to global price volatility, foreign exchange pressure, and supply disruptions.

Beyond pricing, the refinery highlighted the broader economic implications of its operations. Local refining, it said, helps conserve scarce foreign exchange, supports the stability of the naira, strengthens national energy security, and creates jobs across the value chain. The sustained price moderation and consistent supply, the company added, are already providing measurable relief to consumers and businesses nationwide.

However, the refinery expressed concern over reports that some filling stations may be attempting to undermine the price reduction by selling above the approved rate or deliberately creating artificial scarcity. Describing such actions as “unpatriotic and unacceptable,” Dangote Refinery called on regulatory agencies to remain vigilant and take firm action against any operators seeking to frustrate the benefits of the price cut, especially during the festive period.

To empower consumers, the refinery directly appealed to Nigerians to resist buying petrol at inflated prices when cheaper, locally refined alternatives are available. Specifically, it urged motorists to patronise MRS stations selling at ₦739 per litre and to report any MRS outlet violating the approved price. The company provided a dedicated hotline—0800 123 5264—for members of the public to report erring stations.

The refinery also encouraged other petrol marketers across the country to source its products and pass on the benefits of the reduced price to consumers. According to the statement, wider participation by marketers would help entrench a more competitive, transparent, and stable downstream petroleum market, ensuring that the relief experienced at MRS outlets spreads across the entire retail network.

Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed but largely positive. While many Nigerians welcomed the price reduction as a step in the right direction and praised Dangote Refinery for introducing competition into the market, others argued that ₦739 per litre remains high given prevailing economic conditions. Nonetheless, there is broad agreement that the refinery’s intervention has already begun to exert downward pressure on pump prices and expose inefficiencies within the fuel distribution system.

In reaffirming its commitment, Dangote Refinery stressed that its operations are guided by long-term national interest rather than short-term profit motives. The company pledged to continue prioritising steady supply, fair pricing, and energy security, positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s quest for a more self-sufficient and resilient petroleum sector.

As Nigerians continue to monitor pump prices across the country, the refinery’s directive to report violations underscores a new phase in fuel market accountability—one in which consumers are encouraged to play an active role in ensuring that promised relief translates into real savings at the pump.