High Pump Price Drives Nigerians Away From Dangote, Favoring NNPCL

According to Ireporter Online, many Nigerians have begun avoiding Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) linked to the Dangote Refinery due to its higher pump price, resulting in visibly reduced customer traffic at several MRS filling stations across Abuja.

MRS, owned by Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata—the half-brother of Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote—has been dispensing petrol at around ₦945 per litre, a rate noticeably above prices offered by competing stations. Checks at outlets on the Kubwa Expressway and in Lugbe showed that NNPCL and AA RANO stations had adjusted their pump prices downward to approximately ₦920 per litre, creating a ₦25 price gap that has influenced consumer preference.

A manager at one of the MRS stations, who preferred not to be named, confirmed that customer turnout has dropped sharply since November. The manager noted that although an internal directive was issued to reduce the pump price to ₦920, the adjustment has not been effected. He expressed hope that the price would soon be reviewed to restore sales and ease the decline in patronage.

Despite the situation, the Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot price reportedly stood at ₦826 per litre as of Monday, December 8, 2025—closely aligned with the rates of major suppliers such as Aiteo at ₦825 and MENJ at ₦835.

The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, expressed concern over the volatility surrounding PMS pricing in the downstream sector. He cautioned Nigerians against relying solely on lower pump prices, stressing that artificially cheap rates could lead to deeper supply challenges over time. Gillis-Harry emphasized the need for pricing stability to protect the market from future shocks.

Meanwhile, NNPCL and several other marketers have implemented two consecutive price reductions within the past two weeks, bringing fuel prices in the Abuja metropolis to between ₦920 and ₦945 per litre.