Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue influencing global fuel markets and petrol prices. Consequently, Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector now faces renewed debate over fuel pricing and supply sources. Recent data from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria revealed a pricing gap between imported petrol and locally refined fuel.
According to the report, imported petrol currently lands cheaper than products from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.Specifically, imported petrol landed at about N809 per litre. Meanwhile, Dangote refinery’s gantry price stood around N874 per litre. This difference represents roughly N64 between imported fuel and locally refined petrol.
However, refinery officials strongly rejected the pricing comparison released by marketers. They argued that some importers deliberately promote misleading narratives to maintain fuel import licences. Furthermore, the refinery challenged marketers to import petrol despite escalating Middle East airstrikes.
Officials stressed that geopolitical instability could disrupt international fuel supply chains anytime. Earlier, the refinery increased its gantry price from N774 to N874 per litre. This adjustment followed rising crude oil prices approaching $84 per barrel globally. Previously, crude oil traded below $70 before tensions escalated between the United States, Iran, and Israel.
Consequently, many Nigerian filling stations adjusted pump prices nationwide. Some stations raised petrol prices to about N937 depending on regional distribution costs. Despite rising prices, Nigeria avoided severe fuel shortages across the country. Industry analysts attribute this stability to increased domestic refining capacity.
Notably, Dangote refinery supplied about 62 percent of Nigeria’s petrol demand in January 2026. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority confirmed this supply milestone. Domestic refineries delivered approximately 40.1 million litres daily during the period. Meanwhile, imported petrol accounted for roughly 24.8 million litres per day. Therefore, Nigeria now shows stronger progress toward reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
