BY GODWIN OBI
Nigeria’s petrol crisis worsened this week as pump prices in major cities raced toward the ₦1,000 per litre mark — a development marketers blame on depot price hikes and temporary supply disruptions at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Checks by Frontline Reporters on Tuesday revealed that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) now sells between ₦920 and ₦955 per litre in several filling stations nationwide, while some outlets in Abuja, Lagos, and Sokoto are already dispensing at ₦1,000 per litre.
The fresh surge has left motorists stranded and deepened concerns over inflation, as transport fares and food prices begin to climb once again.
Depot Owners Under Fire
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has accused depot operators of taking advantage of a temporary suspension of fuel loading at the Dangote Refinery to raise ex-depot prices.
IPMAN President, Abubakar Shettima, told Frontline Reporters that the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) increased prices immediately after Dangote halted loading activities last week.
“These DAPPMAN people are the only ones selling now. The moment Dangote stopped loading, they raised their ex-depot prices. But once Dangote resumes full operations, prices will come down,” Shettima assured.
Data obtained by Frontline Reporters from Petroleumprice.com showed that depot prices jumped from an average of ₦830 to about ₦890 per litre on Monday.
As of Tuesday, Matrix, RainOil, Aiteo, Pinnacle, and Liquid Bulk were selling petrol at between ₦878 and ₦900 per litre.
Marketers Plan Independent Importation
The National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed that some depot owners and private marketers are already finalizing arrangements to import petrol independently to stabilize prices and increase competition.
“Yes, petrol prices will soon come down because some DAPPMAN members are set to begin importation. Once there is competition, prices must drop,” Ukadike said.
He added that the Dangote Refinery was currently undergoing internal reorganization after a brief workers’ strike, leading to reduced output and delays in product loading.
Dangote Refinery Silent as Operations Slow
Multiple industry sources told Frontline Reporters that the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery has temporarily halted gantry sales to private depot operators since last Thursday, prioritizing loading for its own trucks and affiliate MRS.
The CEO of PetroleumPrice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, said the refinery’s reduced operations stem from crude supply shortages and the recent layoff of about 800 workers, which disrupted production.
“The refinery is only loading its own and MRS trucks. Private marketers haven’t been allowed to load since last week. It’s a supply glitch — and depots are using it to hike prices,” Olatide disclosed.
NNPC Also Adjusts Prices
Confirming the development, NNPC spokesperson Andy Odeh said the national oil company adjusted its retail prices in response to higher ex-depot rates.
“When depot prices go up, all retailers, including NNPC, adjust their pump prices. That’s exactly what has happened,” he explained.
As of Tuesday, NNPC retail outlets in Ogun and Lagos sold petrol at ₦928 per litre, while Dangote’s partner MRS pegged its price at ₦925.
Consumers Groan Nationwide
In Sokoto, Frontline Reporters observed long queues at filling stations, with petrol selling between ₦960 and ₦1,050 per litre.
Many NNPC outlets in the state remained shut, forcing motorists to buy from independent marketers.
“I’ve been queuing for almost an hour,” said Aliyu Musa, a motorist at an AA Rano station. “I borrowed money from my wife just to fill my tank. Fuel is now luxury.”
Analysts Warn of Fresh Inflation Wave
Economic analysts have warned that the current petrol crisis could unleash another wave of inflation across transportation, food, and manufacturing sectors, reversing recent stability efforts.
Despite expectations that Dangote’s logistics-free distribution scheme would reduce prices to ₦841 per litre, Nigerians are now paying nearly 20 percent more than they did a month ago.
Repeated attempts by Frontline Reporters to reach Dangote Refinery spokesperson Anthony Chiejina for clarification were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
For now, Nigerians can only brace for tougher days ahead — as the price of petrol, once again, becomes a barometer of national anxiety.
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