DANGOTE Refinery Plc has rejected allegations that it operates an anti-competitive pricing structure or offers preferential treatment to MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, stressing that all marketers purchase petroleum products under the same conditions at the refinery gate.
The refinery’s newly appointed Managing Director, David Bird, made this clarification yesterday during a press briefing at the Dangote Refinery complex in Lagos, following public concerns over reports that MRS was selling petrol at ₦739 per litre.
Addressing questions on whether the pricing arrangement distorts competition in the downstream market, Bird said the refinery has no influence over retail pump prices and does not discriminate among customers.
According to him, every marketer lifts petrol at a uniform ex-depot price of ₦699 per litre.
He explained that Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector is fully deregulated, allowing marketers to independently determine their retail prices based on operational costs and business strategies.
Consumers, he added, ultimately decide where to buy fuel based on factors such as price, convenience, and brand preference.
Bird further dismissed claims that MRS enjoys any form of advantage, noting that its direct lifting and distribution practices are commercial decisions driven by compliance and product quality.
He assured consumers that fuel quality remains consistent across stations, given the strict regulatory framework governing the sector.
On production capacity, Bird disclosed that the refinery is currently producing about 50 million litres of fuel daily and is capable of meeting domestic demand, despite fluctuations caused by pricing reforms and currency volatility.
He expressed optimism that stable pricing and the availability of affordable, high-quality fuel would stimulate demand growth in the coming years.
The Dangote Refinery boss also allayed concerns about possible operational disruptions, confirming that output has remained steady and marketers have continued to lift available volumes as required.