Fuel importers have alleged that the Dangote Refinery sells petrol to international traders in Lomé, Togo, at prices N65 cheaper per litre than those offered to Nigerian marketers.
The claim was confirmed in separate interviews by the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN).
Dangote Refinery recently announced a price cut — from N865/litre to N841 in Lagos/Southwest, and N851 in Abuja, Edo, and Kwara — alongside its direct fuel distribution rollout. But marketers argue the refinery undercuts local buyers by giving discounts abroad.
DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, told Sunday PUNCH that members had purchased Dangote’s fuel in Lomé at cheaper rates than locally, saying:
“Dangote is selling to international traders at N65 lower than what he is selling to us. We’ve even bought from those traders and still brought it into Nigeria.”
He accused the refinery of price manipulation, strategically slashing prices when other importers’ cargoes arrive in Nigeria, destabilising competition. Adewole also demanded discounts to offset freight costs and claimed Dangote’s “free delivery” promise was misleading, since marketers must still lift 25% of allocations with Dangote trucks at commercial rates.
PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry backed DAPPMAN’s claims, saying:
“Exactly, DAPPMAN said the correct thing. It is true. We don’t want to say everything now, but one day we will.”
A major importer also disclosed that his company refused to buy from Dangote due to unfavourable margins.
The Dangote refinery dismissed the allegations, linking them to the NUPENG union dispute, where the refinery has faced accusations of anti-union practices. A spokesman said:
“We now know who is behind NUPENG. Our free delivery starts Monday.”
Industry observers say the row underscores broader tensions in Nigeria’s post-deregulation downstream sector, where Dangote supplies only 30–35% of national demand, leaving the rest to importers.
Adewole warned against portraying the refinery as Nigeria’s sole saviour, stressing:
“While we welcome the Dangote refinery, its role must be balanced within the broader ecosystem. Marketers continue to import and distribute under strict regulation.”
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery announced it will begin deploying CNG-powered trucks on Monday to cut logistics costs and help bring down fuel prices nationwide.
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