Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery said more than 1,000 fuel trucks are now loading petrol daily at its facility, following recent price cuts and changes aimed at widening access for fuel marketers.
In a statement, the refinery said it has become a major hub for fuel distribution after implementing what it described as “bold strategic adjustments” to make energy more affordable and accessible nationwide.
The refinery recently reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to ₦699 (US$0.48) per litre and lowered the minimum purchase requirement from two million litres to 250,000 litres, a move that significantly expands participation by smaller marketers.
“These measures underscore Dangote Refinery’s commitment to stabilising supply, fostering inclusivity and supporting national economic growth,” the statement said.
To further boost confidence among fuel marketers, the refinery said it has introduced a 10-day bank guarantee system, designed to ensure uninterrupted supply.
“Since the announcement, the response from fuel marketers has been overwhelming. The refinery now records over 1,000 trucks loading PMS daily from its gantry, a clear testament to market trust in the Dangote Refinery’s efficiency and leadership in the downstream sector,” it added.
Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, said the objective was to ensure fuel affordability across the country.
“Our goal has always been to make energy affordable and accessible for every Nigerian. By reducing prices and lowering the minimum purchase volume, we are empowering both large and small marketers to participate in the market, ensuring fuel reaches every corner of the country,” he said.
According to the company, the revised policy opens the downstream market to smaller operators, strengthens distribution networks and improves fuel availability nationwide.
“By lowering barriers to entry, Dangote Refinery is driving competition and ensuring Nigerians benefit from a more stable and affordable fuel supply chain,” the statement said.
Speaking to journalists last week, Dangote reiterated his commitment to ensuring Nigerians reap the benefits of domestic refining, stressing that the company is working to ensure reductions at the gantry level are reflected at retail outlets.
He also said the refinery project was driven more by legacy than profit, noting that he could have invested the estimated US$20 billion project cost elsewhere if financial returns were his sole motivation.
The renewed momentum comes as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Thursday urged its members nationwide to patronise the Dangote Refinery for PMS purchases. The association said the facility currently offers the most competitive prices for marketers, adding that free fuel delivery is expected to commence in January 2026.
Background on Dangote refinery
The Dangote Refinery is Africa’s largest oil refinery and one of the world’s biggest single-train refining facilities. Located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone near Lagos, the project is owned by the Dangote Group, founded by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, and represents the most ambitious private-sector investment in Nigeria’s downstream oil industry.
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With a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery was designed to end Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported refined petroleum products despite being one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers. For decades, Nigeria exported crude oil while importing most of its petrol, diesel and aviation fuel due to the poor performance of state-owned refineries.
The refinery is part of the larger Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex, which includes petrochemical plants and a fertiliser facility. The project was built at an estimated cost of about US$19–20 billion, making it the single largest industrial investment in Africa. Construction began in 2016 and faced multiple delays linked to infrastructure challenges, logistics, the COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory issues.
Commercial production started in phases. Diesel and aviation fuel (jet A1) were the first products to be supplied to the domestic market in 2024, followed by Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in 2025 after regulatory approvals. The gradual rollout allowed the refinery to test systems, ramp up output and integrate with Nigeria’s fuel distribution network.
