The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has adjusted petrol prices in Lagos locations after a series of recent price changes in the country’s fuel market.
In December 2024, NNPCL lowered their prices – from N1,025 to N925 per litre in Lagos, and from N1,040 to N965 per litre in Abuja, but NNPC petrol stations in Lagos have raised their price from N925 to N960 per litre.
However in Abuja, NNPC stations have not received any instructions to change their prices.
This price movement comes just as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its wholesale fuel price to N955 per litre at its distribution points. Global oil prices have been climbing, with Brent crude oil now reaching $81 per barrel.
Management of Dangote Refinery has explained that upward adjustment in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also called petrol is due to rise in the price of crude oil in the international market.
Group Branding and Communications Officer for the group Anthony Chiejina, in a statement on Sunday said, “We wish to clarify that the recent adjustment in our ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) is directly related to the significant increase in global crude oil prices. As crude remains the primary input in the production of PMS, any fluctuation in its international price inevitably impacts the cost of the finished product.”
Chiejina, said that, "At Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we recognise the critical importance of affordable fuel for all Nigerians, and we remain committed to offering the best value with guaranteed quality to our customers.
“While we have made a 5 per cent adjustment to our ex-depot price from N899.50 to N950 per litre, it is important to note that this increase is considerably lower than the 15 per cent rise in global crude oil prices, which has seen Brent Crude rise from $70 to $82 in a matter of days, in addition to the premium for Nigerian crude (approximately $3 per barrel) in international markets. Furthermore, Dangote Refinery has maintained the Single-Point Mooring (SPM) ex-vessel price at N895 per litre.”
He noted that all its partners, including Ardova, Heyden, and MRS Holdings, will offer petrol to Nigerians at a retail price of N970 per litre nationwide, adding “We have absorbed the increased logistics costs to guarantee uniform pricing across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”
According to Chiejina, “Refinery has absorbed approximately 50% of the cost increases in the international oil market.
This is due to our unwavering commitment to quality and affordability, as well as the ownership of the refinery by Nigerians, which remain central to our mission.
If Dangote Refinery were to pass on the entire increase in the price of crude oil to the market, the retail price of PMS would be approximately N1,150 to N1,200 per litre in some locations, compared to the current price of N970 per litre.”
He said the Management is committed to providing reliable, top-quality petrol to the Nigerian people at competitive prices.
In these challenging times, he said the Management will continue to prioritise the best interests of Nigerians, striving to shield consumers from the full impact of global price volatility while adapting to evolving market conditions.
The group appreciated the continued trust and support of Nigerians as it strives to deliver the best value for their money and contribute to the development of a self-sufficient economy that is resilient to international price fluctuations.
“In the interest of transparency and good governance, Dangote Refinery will now commence publishing its ex-depot price, ex-vessel price as well as pump price on a weekly basis so that consumers are not exploited.
“We would like to express our gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the introduction of the visionary Naira for Crude Initiative. This groundbreaking initiative has enabled consistent access to high-quality PMS for all Nigerians, while also insulating the Nigerian consumers from the volatility of the global oil market.” he added.
Yemisi Izuora