Dangote Refinery announced on Sunday that it sells petrol at ₦960 per litre for ship sales and ₦990 per litre for truck sales, responding to claims from independent marketers that its prices are higher than other suppliers. Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Anthony Chiejina addressed these concerns, emphasizing the refinery’s commitment to quality and competitive pricing.

Chiejina argued that lower prices offered by some importers could signal substandard petrol being sold in Nigeria, warning that such products could harm vehicles and public health. He noted that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) lacks adequate laboratory facilities to detect these subpar imports.

“Post-deregulation, NNPC set a benchmark of ₦971 per litre for ship sales and ₦990 per litre for truck sales. We have even gone lower to ₦960 for ships while maintaining ₦990 for trucks, despite the absence of clarity on exchange rates for crude purchases,” Chiejina explained.

Dangote also claimed that a nearby depot is allegedly blending low-quality products to compete with its refined output, undermining domestic refining efforts. Chiejina highlighted the importance of supporting local industry, pointing to the protective tariffs used in other countries.

He urged the public to disregard disinformation spread by groups like the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), which recently criticized Dangote’s prices as prohibitive. IPMAN National Assistant Secretary Yakubu Suleiman noted on ARISE TV that the cost of purchasing petrol from Dangote, including transport and depot fees, made it difficult for marketers to sell affordably.

Dangote reiterated its prices align with international standards and are competitive in the market, aiming to provide Nigerians with high-quality, locally refined products.