The controversy around fuel pricing in Nigeria just got hotter, as Dangote Refinery has been accused of selling petrol to international traders at a cheaper rate than what it allegedly offers to local marketers.
According to reports from fuel importers and confirmed by the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the refinery allegedly gives international buyers in Lome, Togo petrol at ₦65 cheaper per litre than Nigerian marketers.
Omo, if this allegation na true, wahala dey o! How petrol go be cheaper for outsiders than for home?
DAPPMAN Reacts – Calls It a Ploy to Kill Competition
In a strong statement on Saturday, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, claimed that members of the association had approached the refinery directly but discovered that petrol prices offered locally were higher than those given to international traders.
He noted that in some cases, importers even found it more economical to import fuel from outside the country than to buy directly from the refinery in Nigeria.
Adewole alleged:
“Sometimes, it’s even cheaper to import petrol than to buy from Dangote locally. Members have been sourcing from international traders in Lome because the price difference is clear.”
Omo, can you imagine? Buying Nigerian fuel abroad, only to bring it back into Nigeria!
Dangote Announces New Prices
The refinery recently made headlines when it announced a reduction in petrol prices, bringing it down from ₦865/litre to ₦841 in Lagos and the South-West, and ₦851 in Abuja, Edo, and Kwara.
It also introduced a direct distribution scheme aimed at cutting out middlemen.
But instead of calming the tension, this fresh reduction has been met with suspicion from DAPPMAN, who kicked against the move, describing it as an alleged attempt to stifle competition in the downstream sector.
Omo, this gist dey enter another level. 🚨
Dangote Refinery Pushes Back
On its part, Dangote Refinery downplayed the allegations, hinting that the marketers’ union might be behind the recent wave of criticisms.
The company suggested that DAPPMAN could even be fueling (pun intended 😅) the recent attack against the refinery by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Recall that NUPENG had accused the refinery of anti-union practices, claiming it barred tanker drivers from joining their union. The union even threatened a strike if the matter wasn’t resolved.
So you see, it’s not just about fuel prices anymore — union wahala is also on the table.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Allegedly, Dangote sells petrol at ₦65 cheaper to foreign traders than Nigerian marketers.
- DAPPMAN says sometimes it’s cheaper to import than buy from Dangote directly.
- Refinery recently reduced prices locally to ₦841/₦851 depending on region.
- PETROAN and DAPPMAN accuse Dangote of trying to stifle competition.
- Dangote suggests DAPPMAN may be behind NUPENG’s recent protest threats.
