The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced an increase in the ex-gantry (ex-depot) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from ₦699 per litre to ₦799 per litre. The adjustment, effective immediately, marks the end of a temporary price support measure introduced during the recent festive period to ease the financial burden on Nigerian households.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the refinery explained that the price realignment was necessary to ensure long-term market stability and affordability following the conclusion of the yuletide season. “With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability,” the statement read.
As a direct result of the increase, partner retail outlets such as MRS filling stations will now sell petrol at ₦839 per litre, up from the ₦739 per litre that had been maintained in recent weeks. This represents a ₦100 hike at the pump for consumers purchasing from MRS stations.
The Dangote Refinery emphasized that this move follows a deliberate intervention during the festive season, where it absorbed significant costs to promote affordability and maintain market calm. The company highlighted that this was the second consecutive year it had provided such support, including logistics assistance in 2024 and a price reduction in 2025. The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to nationwide supply of PMS and energy security for Nigerians, stating that it remains focused on delivering value while ensuring operational sustainability.
The price adjustment comes amid ongoing efforts by the refinery to stabilize Nigeria’s volatile fuel market since it began full production and domestic distribution of petrol late last year. In December 2025, the refinery had reduced its ex-gantry price to ₦699 per litre (effective from December 12), which helped bring retail prices down to around ₦739 per litre at partnered stations offering relief compared to higher imported fuel costs that had previously pushed pump prices toward ₦900 in some areas.
Industry observers note that the new ₦799 ex-gantry price remains competitive relative to the landing costs of imported petrol, which have fluctuated between ₦750 and ₦780 per litre in recent periods, according to reports from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN). However, the increase is likely to translate into higher transportation and living costs for millions of Nigerians who rely heavily on petrol for daily commuting, generator power, and commercial activities.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has not yet issued an official comment on the price change, but the adjustment aligns with the deregulated downstream sector where local producers like Dangote can set prices based on production costs, exchange rates, and market dynamics.
Public reactions on social media have been mixed, with some consumers expressing disappointment over the end of the lower festive pricing, while others acknowledge the refinery’s role in reducing dependence on fuel imports and supporting economic self-reliance. The Dangote Refinery has assured that it will continue to supply PMS without discrimination to all marketers and bulk consumers, encouraging a stable supply chain.
This development underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector as it transitions toward greater domestic refining capacity. The 650,000 barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, has been positioned as a game-changer for reducing import reliance, stabilizing prices, and creating jobs but fluctuating global crude prices, naira volatility, and operational costs continue to influence domestic fuel pricing.
As Nigerians adjust to the new rates, attention will remain on how other major marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) respond, potentially affecting nationwide pump prices in the coming days. The refinery has called for continued patience and support as it works toward sustained affordability and energy security.