The Dangote Petroleum Refinery loaded more than 43 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the Nigerian market in a single day, according to company sources.
Officials of the refinery said the plant dispatched 43.3 million litres of petrol on Saturday, countering market speculation about a halt in petrol production. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity, citing authorisation limits.
They said loading operations remained active throughout the day, with no trucks turned back. According to the officials, the volume loaded in one day was about 50 per cent higher than Nigeria’s average daily petrol consumption.
Supply Status and Stock Levels
The sources also said the refinery currently holds more than 20 days of petrol stock, enough to sustain national supply.
They said the inventory position was designed to prevent supply disruptions and calm market concerns. Officials stressed that petrol production and distribution activities were continuing normally.
The clarification followed reports that some private depots raised ex-depot petrol prices above ₦800 per litre over the weekend. Traders had linked the increases to claims that the Dangote refinery had shut its petrol processing unit.
Refinery officials dismissed the explanation, arguing that the price hikes were not supported by supply realities. They noted that the refinery’s petrol gantry price remains ₦699 per litre, following a reduction from ₦828 per litre in December.
Depot Prices Rise Despite Stable Output
Market data tracked by petroleumprice.ng showed that average petrol prices at private depots rose sharply within 48 hours. In Lagos, several depots lifted prices to ₦780–₦800 per litre. In Warri, prices climbed to as high as ₦805 per litre by Friday.
The Dangote refinery has become a major domestic supplier of petrol since the removal of fuel subsidies. Its output has helped reduce import dependence and moderate pump prices.
Industry analysts say the recent depot price increases reflect attempts by some traders to recover losses incurred after the refinery’s December price cut. However, the refinery has ruled out any imminent supply constraints, maintaining that operations remain stable.