Filling Stations Shut in Abuja as Dangote Refinery’s Petrol Price Drop Sparks Disruptions

Several filling stations in Abuja have shut down operations following a recent reduction in the ex-depot price of petrol by Dangote Refinery. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, announced a price drop to N835 per litre on Tuesday, 16 April 2025, prompting disruptions among its partners, including MRS, AP, Ardova, and Optima.

In the days following the announcement, MRS outlets along the Kubwa Expressway and other locations in Abuja stopped dispensing fuel. According to an MRS official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the stations could not continue sales due to losses tied to their existing stock purchased at higher prices. The source indicated that MRS may resume operations on Tuesday. Another staff member at the same station attributed the temporary closure to ongoing maintenance, also confirming plans to reopen on Tuesday at a new pump price of N910 per litre.

Other Dangote partners such as AP, Ardova, and Optima have continued to sell fuel at prices ranging between N910 and N920 per litre across parts of Abuja.

Speaking on the situation, the National President of the Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, criticized the frequent fluctuations in petrol prices, warning that they undermine the financial stability of marketers and the broader downstream sector. He emphasized the need for predictable pricing structures supported by clear economic rationale, noting that abrupt price shifts—whether upward or downward—negatively affect both businesses and consumers.

Gillis-Harry had previously advocated for a six-month period of fuel price stability to prevent such disruptions. Similarly, the spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, warned that the latest price cut could result in billions of naira in losses for marketers holding older fuel stocks.

This marks the second time in April that the $20 billion Dangote Refinery has reduced its petrol price, reflecting a total reduction of N45 per litre. On 10 April, the refinery had adjusted its gantry price to N865 per litre before further lowering it to N835.

The development follows a drop in global crude oil prices to around $66 per barrel and the Nigerian government’s continued implementation of a naira-for-crude exchange deal with local refiners. In response to Dangote’s move, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has also reduced its retail price to N935 per litre in Abuja.

Currently, petrol prices across the country range from N890 to N950 per litre, depending on location.