The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to ₦877 per litre, signalling a new pricing framework under its controlled distribution system.
According to information obtained by Petroleumprice.ng, the revised gantry price forms part of the refinery’s pilot supply of 600 million litres of petrol to 20 accredited depot owners. The adjustment reflects current logistics realities and is intended to streamline market supply, eliminate multiple handling layers, and promote transparency within the downstream sector.
Market Implication
Industry analysts say the ₦877/litre rate is now emerging as a market reference point, influencing wholesale and retail pricing patterns nationwide.
However, marketers caution that the new structure could push pump prices higher in the short term, as retail operators adjust to increased ex-depot costs. Still, observers believe Dangote’s pricing strategy signals a deliberate move toward a refinery-driven domestic market that could stabilise supply over time.
Regional Depot Price Review
Field reports by Petroleumprice.ng show varying depot prices across major loading locations following the Dangote refinery’s adjustment.
In Lagos, Aiteo sold PMS at ₦878 per litre, while Sahara Energy dispensed at ₦880 per litre as of October 17, 2025.
At the Port Harcourt loading axis, Liquid Bulk Terminal recorded a higher figure of ₦887 per litre. In Warri, Rainoil Depot maintained sales at ₦880 per litre, while in Calabar, Sobaz Energy Depot priced at ₦900 per litre.
Depot operators attribute these variations to differences in logistics charges, supply distance, and restricted allocation volumes under the ongoing pilot scheme.
Retail Outlets Record Fresh Price Surge
The refinery’s price hike has already rippled through the retail market, pushing pump prices across Nigeria to between ₦955 and ₦990 per litre.
Our correspondents confirmed that MRS Retail outlets are now dispensing petrol at ₦950 per litre, marking an increase of about ₦100 within two days. Similar hikes were recorded at Ardova and Optima Energy stations both part of the Dangote refinery’s distribution network.
A manager at one MRS station, who spoke under condition of anonymity, attributed the surge to rising wholesale costs.
“We had no choice,” he said. “The ₦950 per litre we currently sell is only slightly above what Dangote Refinery now charges us. It used to be ₦850 per litre. The same adjustment applies in Lagos and other major cities.”
Across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Petroleumprice.ng’s market survey showed NNPCL Retail outlets selling at ₦955 per litre in Gwarinpa and Lugbe, while in Lagos, NNPC stations sold for around ₦922 per litre.
Analysts Weigh In
Energy experts say the current retail hikes are a direct reflection of the refinery’s new ex-depot rate, compounded by limited product release and rising transportation costs.
They forecast that if the Dangote refinery sustains steady supply volumes and wider loading coverage, market equilibrium could return, leading to a gradual softening of pump prices.
Until then, Nigeria’s downstream market remains on a delicate balance caught between refinery-based restructuring and consumer-level inflationary pressure.
