Nigerian fuel marketers are turning away from the Dangote Refinery’s petrol, choosing to buy cheaper imported products as competition intensifies in the downstream oil sector.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) confirmed that the landing cost of imported fuel has dropped to about ₦839.97 per litre, making it roughly ₦37 cheaper than Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot price of ₦877 per litre.

IPMAN spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike explained that the current price difference is a result of market liberalisation, which allows marketers to source products from any supplier offering better rates.

“With deregulation, marketers can choose to buy from whoever sells cheaper. If imported fuel costs less, that’s what we’ll go for, because Nigerians want affordable petrol,” Ukadike said.

Data from the industry show that other suppliers such as Emedab, Gulf Treasure, Ardova, and Bono currently sell petrol around ₦875 per litre, still below Dangote’s price.

As of Friday, pump prices in Abuja averaged between ₦950 and ₦965 per litre across major stations including NNPCL, MRS, Ranoil, Total, and Emedab.

Observers say the ongoing price war between importers and the refinery could force a reduction in pump prices in the coming days.

The Dangote Refinery has faced supply delays in recent months, with marketers alleging non-delivery of petrol despite advance payments. Recent reports also suggest that these setbacks contributed to fuel shortages across parts of the country.

According to figures from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerians consumed about 613.6 million litres of petrol between 2024 and October 10, 2025.

With market forces now determining supply and pricing, experts predict that the competition among importers and local refiners could ultimately benefit consumers through lower fuel prices.