Petrol Prices Near N1,400 Amid Dangote Marketers Feud

Petrol prices in Nigeria have surged to nearly N1,400 per litre, coinciding with a deepening feud between Dangote refinery and oil marketers. The conflict centers on allegations that some marketers are blending imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with products from the Dangote refinery before distribution.

This practice raises concerns about the quality and source of petrol sold to consumers. The Dangote refinery, which has a production capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, argues that the continued importation of petrol undermines domestic refining efforts and pressures local producers.

Marketers, however, contend that imports are necessary to ensure adequate supply and competition. The refinery has expressed worries about the lack of adequate laboratory and quality-control infrastructure to independently verify the specifications of imported products.

This situation has sparked renewed debate regarding Nigeria's reliance on imported petroleum products, especially following the commencement of operations at the Dangote refinery.