FUEL FRENZY: DANGOTE REFINERY TRIGGERS MASSIVE QUEUES ACROSS NIGERIA

For Nigerian motorists, long fuel station queues are nothing new. However, in recent months, these lines have grown significantly longer. The reason? A strategic partnership between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and major fuel retailers—MRS, Ardova Plc (AP), and Heyden Petroleum—offering petrol at lower prices than the market rate.

This movement started in late 2024 when Dangote Refinery joined forces with MRS to supply petrol at reduced prices, undercutting the prevailing market rate of ₦1,090 per litre. By January 2025, Ardova and Heyden had followed suit, striking similar bulk purchase agreements to retail at an agreed price.

The Viral Video That Changed Everything

A social media storm erupted when a viral video compared Dangote petrol to NNPC’s, claiming it was not only cheaper but also lasted longer. The video triggered a surge of demand, especially at MRS stations in Lagos, as motorists rushed to take advantage of the perceived superior fuel quality.

The frenzy soon spread beyond Lagos, reaching Ibadan, where drivers queued for hours, forming lines that stretched for kilometres. The stark contrast was evident—while MRS, Ardova, and Heyden stations overflowed with customers, other petrol stations stood nearly empty. Employees at the high-demand stations reported longer working hours as motorists began queuing at dawn, determined to secure what they saw as premium fuel.

Dangote Petrol: Pricing Breakdown Across Nigeria

To maintain accessibility, Dangote Refinery has confirmed a nationwide supply of its petrol through its retail partners at competitive prices:

·         MRS Holdings Stations:

• ₦860/L in Lagos
• ₦870/L in the South-West
• ₦880/L in the North
• ₦890/L in the South-South & South-East

·         Ardova (AP) & Heyden Stations:

• ₦865/L in Lagos
• ₦875/L in the South-West
• ₦885/L in the North
• ₦895/L in the South-South & South-East

With ample reserves and a commitment to steady supply, Dangote Petroleum Refinery aims to meet local demand while expanding its export capacity to boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

Is This the Beginning of a Fuel Market Shake-Up?

The big question remains: Will this fuel price shift force competitors to lower their rates, or will Dangote’s supply strategy face resistance from existing industry giants? One thing is certain—Nigerian motorists are watching closely, and the demand for cheaper, high-quality fuel isn’t slowing down anytime soon.