The Dangote Refinery has quietly raised the ex-depot price of petrol from N825 to N840 per litre, sparking fresh concerns in Nigeria’s fuel market. 

The adjustment, which comes amid speculation of a temporary shutdown of its petrol production unit, has already pushed other depots across the country to review their prices upward.

Depots follow Dangote’s lead

Checks across major depots on Sunday, September 7, showed that the hike quickly spread. Prices at Matrix in Warri and Prudent Energy in Oghara jumped to N865 per litre, while Rainoil Delta climbed even higher to N875. 

Other operators like SOBAZ and A&E also raised their prices, leaving petrol dealers bracing for tougher days ahead.

Filling stations adjust pump prices

Unsurprisingly, filling stations are already reflecting the increase at the pumps, even as global crude oil prices slipped slightly following OPEC+’s plan to raise output. 

For many Nigerians, this means yet another round of higher transport costs and rising inflationary pressure.

NUPENG threatens nationwide strike

Adding to the uncertainty, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has declared plans to begin a nationwide strike starting Monday, September 8. 

The union’s tanker drivers branch accuses Dangote of sidelining its members after the company announced plans to deploy 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for nationwide distribution.

Originally seen as a positive step, the truck initiative soon raised concerns among unions and stakeholders. 

According to NUPENG, the refinery allegedly pressured drivers employed to operate these trucks to abandon union membership, a move the union says is unacceptable.

Talks and warnings

Efforts to resolve the matter are ongoing. A meeting held in June between Dangote representatives and union leaders did little to settle the issue. 

Meanwhile, a civil coalition, the Mass Action Against Economic Saboteurs (MAAES), has warned NUPENG against shutting down fuel loading nationwide, describing such a strike as harmful to ordinary Nigerians already battling high costs.

What lies ahead?

The refinery, which was expected to stabilize Nigeria’s fuel supply and reduce import dependence, now finds itself at the centre of fresh controversy. 

With petrol prices at record highs and tanker drivers threatening to down tools, Nigerians may once again face queues and scarcity unless a quick resolution is reached.