Nigerians Demand Transparency from Dangote Refinery

Dangote Refinery has faced significant backlash from Nigerians over its refusal to disclose the price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

This controversy has sparked widespread public outcry and demands for transparency.

The issue began when petroleum marketers claimed that Dangote's petrol was being sold at prices ranging from N1,115 to N1,028 per liter.

However, Dangote Group quickly dismissed these claims as "fake news" through a statement on their official X account. Despite this denial, the company has not provided any concrete figures regarding its actual fuel prices.

Yakubu Suleiman, National Assistant Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, highlighted the discrepancy during an interview with Arise Television, stating that Dangote's petrol prices were higher than those from alternative sources.

This has led to increased frustration among Nigerians, who are already grappling with high petrol costs between N1,025 and N1,300 per liter nationwide.

Social media platforms have become a battleground for public opinion, with many users urging Dangote Refinery to be more transparent. One user, @Olurunwababs, expressed disbelief, saying, "It is laughable to debunk a claim as fake, then refuse to disclose how much it is to buy from Dangote Refinery!" Another user, @Abdul_A_Bello, simply demanded, "Just tell us how much you are selling from your depot."

The situation intensified when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) claimed it purchased fuel from Dangote at N898 per liter in September 2024.

Dangote refuted this claim but again failed to provide an exact figure, further fueling speculation about potential market dominance or other undisclosed factors affecting pricing.

As Nigerians continue to struggle with rising fuel prices, the call for Dangote to reveal its pricing structure grows louder. Many believe that transparency could help reduce reliance on imports and curb speculation.

The ongoing secrecy has raised concerns about the refinery's influence on the market and its commitment to fair business practices.