The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has unveiled an ambitious plan to distribute 600 million litres of petrol monthly through a newly designed framework involving 20 accredited independent marketers.
The initiative, which has already gained traction within the downstream oil sector, is expected to address fuel scarcity, reduce price volatility, and strengthen the nation’s energy independence.
Refinery’s Strategy and the Dangote Petrol Lifting Target
According to the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, the new Dangote petrol lifting target forms part of the refinery’s broader strategy to streamline operations and ensure a consistent flow of products into the domestic market.
Ukadike disclosed that the refinery recently held a strategic meeting with key players in the downstream sector, including A.Y.M. Shafa, A.A. Rano, NNPCL Retail, and Salbas, among others, to finalise the new distribution model.
The system, he explained, would eliminate middlemen responsible for pricing distortions and improve product accessibility nationwide.
“At the meeting, Dangote announced that only 20 selected marketers would lift products directly from the refinery,” Ukadike said.
“Each marketer will lift a minimum of two million litres, amounting to about 600 million litres monthly. This is aimed at restoring efficiency and reducing speculative practices in the petrol market.”
He added that the arrangement aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of achieving domestic energy stability under the Decade of Gas and Renewed Hope Agenda.
Improving Supply and Reducing Pump Prices
The new Dangote petrol lifting target comes amid persistent concerns over fluctuating fuel prices and sporadic scarcity in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Ukadike said the plan would improve supply chain efficiency, prevent hoarding, and lower retail prices at filling stations across the country.
“We believe this model will stabilise the downstream market and guarantee consistent availability of petrol. Once this structure fully takes effect, Nigerians will begin to experience relief from high pump prices,” he noted.
The National Vice President of IPMAN, Hammed Fashola, confirmed the development, saying, “The refinery’s partnership with key marketers is a welcome step toward easing distribution bottlenecks and curbing speculative pricing.”
Current Market Situation and Price Concerns
Despite optimism surrounding the Dangote petrol lifting target, several filling stations across the Federal Capital Territory have continued to adjust pump prices upward due to limited supply.
A recent market survey revealed that major retailers like Optima Energy increased their price to N955 per litre, while A.A. Rano and A.Y.M. Shafa now sell at N945 and N940 per litre, respectively.
Independent marketers have blamed the recent hikes on inconsistent depot pricing and temporary loading disruptions at the Dangote Refinery.
According to IPMAN President, Abubakar Shettima, some depot owners took advantage of the downtime to raise their ex-depot prices.
“These DAPPMAN depots are the only ones selling fuel at the moment,” Shettima explained.
“Dangote had paused loading for a few days, and as soon as depot owners realised that, they inflated their prices.
However, once the refinery resumes full operations, we expect prices to normalise quickly.”
He added that the Dangote petrol lifting target would help remove the power of middlemen and ensure that accredited marketers maintain transparent pricing policies that align with national economic goals.
Diesel Price Reduction and Market Relief
In a related development, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has announced a ₦50 reduction in the ex-depot price of diesel, also known as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
According to a circular from the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department, the price has been reviewed from ₦960 per litre to ₦910 per litre, effective October 15, 2025.
The management described the price adjustment as a gesture of goodwill to ease the cost burden on industrial users, transport operators, and manufacturing firms affected by rising energy expenses.
“Dear Valued Customer,” the refinery’s notice read, “please be informed that the gantry price for Automotive Gas Oil has been revised downward.
This adjustment is part of our continuous effort to support our customers and promote affordability in the energy market.”
Industry analysts believe this move reflects the refinery’s responsiveness to market realities and commitment to driving economic growth through competitive pricing.
Stakeholders Commend Dangote’s Efforts
Stakeholders across the energy sector have lauded the Dangote petrol lifting target as a decisive step toward achieving fuel sufficiency and stabilising the Nigerian economy.
The refinery, which is Africa’s largest, has been at the forefront of refining transformation since its commissioning, contributing to Nigeria’s long-term goal of reducing import dependence and conserving foreign exchange.
Experts say that by consolidating fuel distribution and promoting accountability, the initiative will enhance efficiency, build market confidence, and support President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda.
As the Dangote petrol lifting target rolls out in phases, Nigerians remain hopeful that the refinery’s increased capacity and transparent allocation model will finally bring an end to recurring fuel scarcity and create a sustainable framework for the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
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