Nigeria’s downstream oil sector has entered a new phase of price competition as petrol retailers in Lagos reduce fuel prices below the N739 per litre benchmark set by Dangote Refinery, intensifying the ongoing price war.
The development follows Dangote Refinery’s earlier move to set its ex-depot petrol price at N699 per litre, with retail pricing at MRS filling stations fixed at N739 per litre. The refinery’s pricing strategy was initially designed to gain a competitive edge over other petrol marketers and importers nationwide.
Brandspur Business Desk reports that despite Dangote Petrol’s advantage since December 2025, other fuel retailers have adjusted their rates to undercut the refinery in Lagos. As of Sunday, NIPCO sold petrol at N738 per litre, SAO filling stations at N735 per litre, and Akiavic at N737 per litre. An AP station adjacent to an MRS outlet in Mowe, Ogun State, lowered its price to N736 per litre.
However, the situation differs in Abuja, where petrol prices at outlets including NNPCL, Rano Oil, Empire Energy, NIPCO, AA Rano, and AYM Shafa remain between N815 and N839 per litre as of Monday morning.
Earlier, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) assured consumers that its members remain committed to supplying affordable fuel despite the price adjustments. Spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike noted that marketers are poised to maintain favorable prices for Nigerians in response to the evolving market landscape.
The Lagos-based price adjustments reflect retailers’ aggressive strategies to attract customers and compete with Dangote Refinery’s dominance, highlighting the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. Analysts suggest that these developments may continue to shape fuel availability and pricing trends across the country in the coming weeks.
