The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is finalising plans to supply up to 600 million litres of petrol monthly to the Nigerian market in a move expected to stabilise fuel prices and ease the pressure on motorists.
Sources within the downstream sector confirmed that the refinery has designed a new distribution framework involving 20 selected marketers who will serve as primary off-takers. Each of them is expected to lift a minimum of two million litres monthly, creating a direct supply chain to eliminate multiple intermediaries responsible for price distortions.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) confirmed that the plan is aimed at restoring transparency and efficiency in fuel distribution. According to the association, once the structure takes effect, product availability will improve significantly and retail prices will begin to drop.
Among the shortlisted marketers are A.Y.M. Shafa, A.A. Rano, NNPCL Retail, and Salbas, among others. Although the final list has not been officially published, implementation is said to be imminent.
Despite the refinery’s intervention plans, pump prices across parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states have continued to rise. Some stations have adjusted their prices upward, with Optima Energy now selling at ₦955 per litre, A.A. Rano at ₦945, and A.Y.M. Shafa at ₦940. Independent marketers blamed the increase on temporary supply delays and depot price manipulation after Dangote briefly suspended loading operations.
A senior IPMAN official told Naijaonpoint Media that depot owners quickly raised their prices once they noticed Dangote had paused loading, but assured that the situation is temporary and supply would soon resume fully.
Meanwhile, the refinery has announced a ₦50 reduction in the ex-depot price of diesel, cutting it from ₦960 to ₦910 per litre, effective October 15, 2025. The refinery said the price review was part of efforts to support businesses and stabilise the market.
For transporters, manufacturers, and small businesses, steady fuel supply and lower diesel costs are expected to reduce operating expenses. Analysts say the success of this plan will depend on how quickly Dangote’s new supply system takes off and how depot owners respond to the refinery’s pricing model.
The next few weeks will determine whether Dangote’s intervention can finally bring relief to millions of Nigerians struggling with rising fuel prices and economic hardship.