By Peter Omopo
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced nationwide sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a pump price of N739 per litre, making the product available across all MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations in the country.
The initiative marks a significant step in the refinery’s drive to make fuel more affordable for Nigerians and to stabilise the downstream petroleum sector. With more than 2,000 MRS filling stations nationwide, the new pricing is expected to ease the burden on consumers across the country.
In a statement, the refinery commended MRS Oil Nigeria Plc and other marketers that have reflected the reduced price at the pump, urging others to adopt the pricing as a demonstration of support for Nigeria’s economic recovery.
The refinery’s intervention comes amid the usual increase in fuel demand during festive periods, providing relief through lower pump prices and a guaranteed daily supply of 50 million litres of PMS.
Industry analysts note that large-scale local refining helps improve domestic fuel availability, reduces dependence on imports, conserves foreign exchange, limits exposure to global market volatility, stabilises the naira and strengthens national energy security.
Dangote Refinery also warned against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to undermine the recent price reduction. The company called on regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, particularly during the festive season.
Consumers were urged to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre at MRS stations nationwide. The refinery encouraged Nigerians to report any MRS outlet selling above the approved price and called on other petrol station operators to patronise its products to ensure the benefits of the price reduction are extended across the market.
Reaffirming its commitment to consistent supply, price moderation and energy security, the refinery said its objective remains to provide high-quality petroleum products at affordable prices while supporting economic stability and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
To further enhance distribution, the refinery recently reduced its minimum purchase volume from two million litres to 250,000 litres and introduced a 10-day bank guarantee system to ensure uninterrupted supply and boost marketers’ confidence. Since the implementation of these measures, more than 1,000 trucks have been loading PMS daily from the refinery’s gantry.
Speaking on the development, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the goal of the refinery was to make energy affordable and accessible to every Nigerian. He explained that by reducing prices and lowering the minimum purchase volume, the refinery is empowering both large and small marketers to participate in the market, ensuring fuel reaches all parts of the country.
Dangote added that the refinery project was driven by legacy and national interest rather than profit, noting that financial gain was not the primary motivation for the investment.
In support of the initiative, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) urged its members to source PMS from the Dangote Refinery. In a statement, IPMAN National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, said the association controls over 80 per cent of the PMS retail market and assured Nigerians that there would be no gap or scarcity in fuel supply nationwide.
