During a recent market survey, several filling stations were found selling petrol cheaper than Dangote’s partner, MRS Oil. NIPCO offered petrol at ₦738 per litre, SAO at ₦735, and Akiavic at ₦737. An AP filling station in Mowe, Ogun State, priced petrol at ₦736, directly competing with a nearby MRS outlet.
Retailers are closely monitoring competitors’ prices, as motorists increasingly favor stations with the lowest rates. The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria noted that the landing cost of imported petrol averages ₦762.38 per litre, higher than Dangote’s ex-gantry price of ₦699. Despite this, importers are adjusting prices to remain competitive, leading to financial strain across the sector.
Industry operators explain that the price cuts are driven by market strategy rather than lower import costs. One anonymous marketer emphasized that the goal is to secure market share, not engage in direct conflict with competitors.
Dangote Refinery has expanded its supply, increasing PMS distribution from 600 million litres in October 2025 to 1.5 billion litres in December. To support smaller operators, the refinery reduced minimum purchase volumes and introduced credit facilities.
Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike stated that market forces now dictate pricing, with banks’ interest rates pressuring retailers to adjust prices or risk losing customers.
Dangote Refinery reaffirmed its commitment to stabilizing the market, ensuring transparency, and reducing reliance on imports. The refinery also clarified that the November import surge was due to regulatory decisions, not its operational capacity.
As the price war continues, more stations are selling petrol below ₦800 per litre, reshaping Nigeria’s fuel retail landscape through competition rather than regulation.
