Motorists in Abuja are turning away from NNPCL filling stations and other outlets selling petrol at higher prices as competing retailers lower their pump rates.

The development followed price cuts by MRS, AA Rano, Sharon and other filling stations across the Federal Capital Territory.

MRS reduced its petrol price by N50 to N1,210 per litre from N1,260, while AA Rano, Sharon and some other retailers cut their prices by N25 per litre.

The reductions came after Dangote Refinery lowered its petrol price to N1,165 per litre, prompting retailers to adjust their prices amid increasing competition in the downstream market.

However, NNPCL stations in areas including Gwarinpa and Wuse Zones 4 and 6 were still selling petrol between N1,299 and N1,310 per litre as of Monday.

The price difference has affected customer traffic at the more expensive outlets.

An attendant at an NNPCL station in Abuja said motorists had largely avoided the station because of its higher pump price.

According to the attendant, only a small number of customers bought petrol during the day, with motorists complaining about the price gap.

Attendants at Shema and Emedab stations also reported weak patronage.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria said some NNPCL and other filling stations may not have received or stocked products from Dangote Refinery, which could explain why their prices had not yet fallen.

Meanwhile, trucks belonging to Dangote Refinery were sighted at several retail outlets in Abuja.

The latest development comes as petrol depot owners also reduce their prices, with some selling products at about N1,168 per litre.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is currently consulting industry stakeholders over concerns about anti-competitive pricing in the petroleum products market.

The continuing price cuts are increasing competition among fuel retailers and giving motorists more options to buy petrol at lower prices.