By Peter Omopo
Abuja & Lagos – Nigeria’s fuel crisis deepened on Tuesday as the pump price of petrol surged close to ₦1,000 per litre across major cities, amid supply disruptions and production glitches at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Findings by The PUNCH revealed that petrol now sells between ₦920 and ₦955 per litre in most filling stations nationwide, while some outlets in Abuja, Sokoto, and Lagos have adjusted prices to as high as ₦1,000 per litre.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) have traded blame over the spike, which has triggered fresh rounds of panic buying and long queues in several states.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, said many depot owners had taken advantage of “temporary supply glitches” at the Dangote Refinery to raise ex-depot prices. He confirmed that some DAPPMAN members were preparing to commence independent importation of petrol in an attempt to stabilise prices.
“Yes, petrol prices will soon come down because some marketers have applied to import products. If their prices are cheaper than Dangote’s, we’ll patronise them. Once there’s competition, prices will drop,” Ukadike said.
Checks by The PUNCH showed that petrol prices have jumped from about ₦865 last week to nearly ₦950 by Monday, with some depots selling as high as ₦900 per litre.
At the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) outlets in Abuja’s Gwarinpa and Lugbe, petrol sold for ₦955 per litre, while in Lagos, prices ranged between ₦920 and ₦940. In Ogun, Dangote’s retail partner, MRS, sold petrol at ₦925 per litre.
Meanwhile, IPMAN President Abubakar Shettima attributed the price hike to depot owners’ actions after fuel loading was reportedly halted at the Dangote Refinery.
“These DAPPMAN people are the only ones selling the product now. Dangote has not been loading for some days. Once loading resumes, prices will fall,” he explained.
Industry data from PetroleumPrice.com showed that depots like Matrix, Fynefield, Liquid Bulk, and RainOil sold petrol between ₦885 and ₦900 on Tuesday, up from ₦830 earlier in the week.
The NNPCL spokesperson, Andy Odeh, confirmed that retail outlets adjusted their pump prices due to rising ex-depot costs.
“When ex-depot prices go up, retailers adjust. That’s what has happened across the board,” Odeh told The PUNCH.
Sources at the Dangote Refinery, however, hinted that the facility may be undergoing internal reorganisation and possible maintenance, following reports of recent staff layoffs and limited crude supply. The refinery, which launched its logistics-free fuel scheme in September, had promised to sell petrol at ₦841 per litre in the South-West and ₦851 in Abuja and other states — a target yet to materialise.
Further compounding the crisis, Jeremiah Olatide, Chief Executive Officer of PetroleumPrice.ng, said the refinery suspended gantry sales to private marketers last week, supplying only MRS and its own trucks.
“They have low stock and are prioritising their own last-mile deliveries. Private marketers haven’t been allowed to load since last Thursday,” he said.
He also linked the supply disruption to crude shortages and the sacking of about 800 refinery workers.
“Basically, there’s a production issue. The refinery is struggling with crude supply, and staff cuts have worsened the situation,” he added.
In Sokoto State, residents reported that petrol prices have risen to between ₦960 and ₦1,050 per litre, with several NNPC stations shut for days. Motorists lamented the hardship, saying they had to queue for hours and borrow money to purchase fuel.
“I’ve been here for over 40 minutes trying to get fuel. I heard it’s ₦992 in Lagos — only God knows how much it will be here,” a motorist told The PUNCH at an AA Rano station.
Economists warn that the latest surge could trigger another round of inflationary shocks, pushing up transportation, food, and manufacturing costs nationwide.
Efforts to reach Dangote Refinery spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
