Petrol marketers across Nigeria say pump prices could soon fall as they prepare to receive direct supplies from the Dangote Refinery — a move expected to intensify the ongoing price battle in the downstream sector.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says its members have been assured of direct sales at N699 per litre, a development that could see filling stations sell petrol at about N750 per litre nationwide once transportation costs are added.
IPMAN president Abubakar Maigandi told DAILY POST that the association is waiting for deliveries to begin this month.
“Dangote Refinery will start direct supply to filling stations in January. Once he starts, queues will disappear. If we buy at N699 and add transport of around N15, petrol should reach stations at roughly N750,” he said.
The pricing shift comes amid fierce competition triggered by Dangote Refinery’s decision late last year to slash its gantry price from N838 to N699 per litre, forcing other players to review their prices.
At present, pump prices across the country range between N739 and N900 per litre. While MRS stations backed by Dangote currently dispense at N739, many Nigerians say they are yet to feel the relief at stations operated by other marketers.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recently reduced the price at its retail outlets in Abuja to N815 per litre, still higher than Dangote-backed outlets.
Industry watchers say widespread direct supply to independent marketers could narrow price gaps and expand access to cheaper fuel — if deliveries begin as promised.
But for now, motorists continue to pay different prices depending on location, brand and availability — with the country still firmly in the grip of a developing petrol price war.
