Petrol stations in Abuja, including MRS outlets along the Kubwa Expressway, have been shut for five days following Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot petrol price reduction to N835 per litre on Tuesday, 16 April 2025.
Retailers struggle with old stock
An MRS staff member told reporters that the station couldn’t sell its old petrol stock at a loss, forcing them to shut down operations. He added that they may resume sales by Tuesday.
Additionally, another staff claimed the station was under maintenance and confirmed it would reopen at the new pump price of N910 per litre.
Other Dangote partners sell at N910–920
Furthermore, filling stations under the Dangote partnership, such as AP, Ardova, and Optima, are currently selling petrol between N910 and N920 per litre in parts of Abuja.
Retailers’ group reacts
Billy Gillis-Harry, the National President of Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, warned that the fuel price drop has weakened the purchasing power of retailers and marketers.
He stated that indiscriminate price changes without clear economic justification hurt businesses, the economy, and Nigerians in general.
Losses from unsold old stock
Additionally, Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, said marketers stand to lose billions of naira from old stock that can’t compete with Dangote’s new prices.
This echoes growing concerns among independent marketers who have long demanded structured pricing and better communication.
Second price cut by Dangote Refinery
Also, this marks the second time Dangote Refinery has reduced fuel prices within two weeks. On 10 April, it dropped from N880 to N865, and on 16 April, it fell further to N835 per litre.
The cuts follow the federal government’s commitment to continue the naira-for-crude deal and a drop in global oil prices to about $66 per barrel.
NNPC responds to new pricing
Additionally, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited adjusted its retail price to N935 per litre in Abuja in response to Dangote’s new rate.
Across Nigeria, pump prices now range between N890 and N950 per litre depending on the location, leaving both consumers and retailers grappling with rapid market changes.