The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has issued a stark warning that petrol pump prices in Nigeria could surge to as much as N1,400 per litre if the country continues to rely solely on fuel imports.
The refinery emphasized that large-scale domestic refining has become a crucial stabilizing force in the downstream petroleum sector, helping to moderate price volatility and enhance energy security.
In a statement released on Monday, Dangote Refinery refuted recent reports suggesting a shutdown for maintenance, describing them as false, misleading, and deliberately circulated to justify another spike in pump prices.
“The recent price movements highlight an uncomfortable reality,” the refinery said.
“In the absence of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, fuel importers would operate without restraint, and petrol prices could escalate to levels estimated at N1,400 per litre in a post-subsidy environment.
The refinery’s operations have therefore been a critical stabilizing force in the downstream petroleum market.”
Dangote Refinery Petrol Price: Addressing False Shutdown Reports
The refinery attributed the misleading reports to fuel importers whose commercial interests are threatened by domestic refining.
According to the company, the misinformation was opportunistically circulated to justify unwarranted increases in petrol pump prices, a move it said was inconsistent with the national interest.
“The false report in question is a deliberate fabrication promoted by fuel importers whose commercial interests are threatened by the stabilizing impact of large-scale domestic refining,” the refinery stated.
“Such conduct imposes unnecessary hardship on Nigerians and undermines national energy security.”
Dangote Refinery reassured the public that production remained ongoing, stable, and uninterrupted, with the capacity to supply between 40 million and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily, depending on market demand.
Daily Production and Stock Levels Support Price Stability
On January 4, 2026, the refinery reported producing 50 million litres of PMS and evacuating 48 million litres through its gantry, noting that current stock levels could cover more than 20 days of national consumption.
This, the refinery stressed, dispels any concerns about potential shortages that could drive up Dangote refinery petrol prices.
The refinery further explained that routine maintenance on specific units does not impact overall output due to the integrated design of its facilities.
Units such as the Crude Distillation Unit and Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit continue to operate without interrupting overall production.
“The refinery continues to produce PMS, Automotive Gas Oil, and Jet A-1 through other critical units, including the Naphtha Hydrotreater, CCR Reformer, and Hydrocracker, all of which remain fully operational,” the statement said.
Market Demand and Ex-Gantry Pricing
Dangote Refinery has maintained a steady PMS supply to the Nigerian market since mid-December 2025.
Daily loading volumes from the gantry range between 31 million and 48 million litres, fully verifiable by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The refinery reaffirmed its ex-gantry price of N699 per litre, emphasizing that it is available to all marketers and bulk consumers without discrimination.
By sourcing PMS locally, the company said, marketers are better positioned to pass on price relief to consumers, enhance market stability, conserve foreign exchange, and support Nigeria’s broader economic recovery and energy security objectives.
Dangote Refinery Petrol Price: National Economic Implications
Experts say that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s continued operation is vital to stabilizing Nigeria’s downstream sector.
Without large-scale local refining, the country would remain at the mercy of global oil price swings, import logistics, and foreign exchange constraints, all of which could drive Dangote refinery petrol prices to unprecedented highs.
The refinery’s statement urged filling station operators, large-scale users, and institutional consumers to prioritize locally refined products.
By doing so, it argued, the country can reduce dependence on imports, ensure steady supply, and protect consumers from exploitative pricing by importers.
“By sourcing PMS locally at N699 per litre, marketers are better positioned to pass on price relief to consumers, enhance market stability, conserve foreign exchange, and support Nigeria’s broader economic recovery,” the refinery emphasized.
Commitment to Energy Security and Industrial Growth
Reiterating its commitment to the national interest, Dangote Refinery pledged to continue supplying high-quality, locally refined petroleum products while supporting Nigeria’s energy security and industrial development goals.
The company also advised the public to disregard false reports and rely on verified information from credible sources.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery will continue to act in the national interest by supplying locally refined petroleum products while supporting Nigeria’s economic stability, energy independence, and industrial growth,” the statement concluded.
PWith the refinery maintaining large-scale operations, Nigerians can expect a more stabilized fuel market, reducing the risk of the extreme Dangote refinery petrol price hikes previously feared in a fully import-reliant scenario.
