Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Dangote Refinery

  • Cooking Gas Prices Hold Around ₦1,000/kg as Supply Improves

    Cooking Gas Prices Hold Around ₦1,000/kg as Supply Improves

    Details shared by The Punch indicate liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have steadied at about ₦1,000 per kilogram in several major cities, after months of volatility.

    Industry sources linked the stability to improved supply conditions and more dependable local output, which has reduced pressure from imports.

    Marketers, however, warned that distribution costs—driven by logistics challenges and diesel prices—remain a risk factor.

    **Echotitbits take:** Stable LPG pricing is a meaningful relief for households and small businesses. The next test is infrastructure: without better distribution networks and cheaper logistics, price stability can quickly unravel.
    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/cooking-gas-stabilises-around-n1000-kg-as-supply-improves/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers.

  • Petrol market tightens as depot owners raise ex-depot prices toward ₦800/litre

    Petrol market tightens as depot owners raise ex-depot prices toward ₦800/litre

    Reporting by Punch indicates private depot operators in Lagos have raised the ex‑depot price of petrol toward ₦800 per litre, a move that could ripple into higher retail pump prices if sustained.

    Traders and logistics players say the adjustment reflects supply uncertainty and financing/transport costs, while marketers watch whether the change will hold or ease as supply channels stabilise.

    TheCable quoted an industry source warning that “Prices will likely increase in the coming days,” even as another refinery source insisted “Production is still going on, of course.” Tell Magazine similarly noted that operators “increased the ex‑depot price of petrol to about N800 per litre.”

    If ex‑depot prices remain elevated, Lagos commuters and businesses may face another round of transport‑led inflation—so watch depot pricing, supply volumes, and any regulatory guidance.

    Echotitbits take: If ex‑depot prices remain elevated, Lagos commuters and businesses may face another round of transport‑led inflation—so watch depot pricing, supply volumes, and any regulatory guidance.

    Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/private-depots-hike-petrol-price-to-n800-litre-in-lagos/)

    The Punch January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • NNPC stays in the black as price war pushes pump price under ₦800

    NNPC stays in the black as price war pushes pump price under ₦800

    2026-01-01 06:05:00
    According to Punch, NNPC Ltd reported ₦502bn profit after tax for November 2025, extending its profitability streak amid shifting market conditions.

    Reporting by the outlet indicates gas output and infrastructure availability supported performance, even as upstream volumes remained constrained.

    The same report linked the downstream “price war” to NNPC retail cuts that pushed PMS prices below ₦800/litre in some locations, intensifying competition.

    TheCable also reported the monthly performance, quoting the profit figure and noting output movement in November 2025.

    APA News similarly referenced the update and quoted language attributing results to improved gas production and stronger trading performance.

    Echotitbits take:

    If NNPC keeps pricing aggressively to defend market share, watch for tighter station supply cycles, margin compression across marketers, and renewed debate on how “deregulated” pricing should work when the biggest player also plays stabilizer.

    Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-posts-n502bn-profit-cuts-petrol-below-n800-litre/)

    The Punch 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • N739/Litre Dangote Petrol Sparks Rush at MRS Stations

    N739/Litre Dangote Petrol Sparks Rush at MRS Stations

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-25 09:20:00

    As detailed by The Punch, the sale of Dangote-refined petrol at about N739 per litre at some MRS outlets triggered long queues, as motorists sought cheaper fuel amid higher prevailing pump prices elsewhere. The rush reflects both price sensitivity and the market’s hunt for stable supply points.

    The report suggests queues built quickly in locations where the N739 pricing was visible, with customers traveling between stations to confirm availability—typical behavior in Nigeria’s downstream market when a meaningful price gap opens.

    The development also highlights distribution reality: price reductions can create localized demand spikes that supply logistics may struggle to match in the short term, raising the risk of stockouts and opportunistic price deviations.

    On validation, Nairametrics reported a monitoring push, quoting a call to “report any MRS station selling above N739 per litre,” while Vanguard captured commuter reactions describing the pricing move as a “laudable intervention” and “timely relief” amid cost pressures.

    Echotitbits take: Cheap fuel without stable volume quickly becomes chaos. Watch whether supply scales (more stations, more trucks, steadier replenishment) and whether regulators/marketers enforce price discipline to stop “N739 on paper, N850 at the nozzle.”

    Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/n739-litre-dangote-petrol-causes-queues-at-mrs-stations/)

    The Punch 2025-12-25

  • Marketers say fuel imports still needed as Dangote refinery output rises

    Marketers say fuel imports still needed as Dangote refinery output rises

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 07:00:00

    According to Punch, petroleum marketers argue that even with rising local refining capacity, Nigeria’s fuel supply needs cannot be met by one refinery alone—making imports and multiple supply channels necessary to prevent shortages and price shocks.

    The argument is partly about volume and partly about resilience: a single-point supply system increases vulnerability to maintenance downtime, feedstock disruptions, logistics bottlenecks, or regulatory disputes.

    Marketers also warn that policy choices that squeeze out importers too aggressively could reduce competition and create a supply monopoly—potentially weakening price discipline over time.

    The story lands amid a broader debate: how quickly Nigeria can transition from import dependence to domestic refining dominance without destabilising the downstream market.

    Premium Times cited regulators arguing the refinery “cannot meet… daily consumption demand,” while Reuters has reported Dangote’s ramp-up alongside policy shifts aimed at discouraging imports—fueling warnings about monopoly risk if competition collapses.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s endgame should be diversified domestic supply—not “one refinery, one market.” Watch for transparent supply statistics (daily volumes), open access to storage/jetty infrastructure, and fair competition rules that prevent cartel behaviour on either side (importers vs refiners).

    Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/dangote-alone-cant-meet-nigerias-fuel-demands-marketers-insist/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • Dangote Refinery Urges Nigerians to Reject Petrol Prices Above ₦739/Litre

    Dangote Refinery Urges Nigerians to Reject Petrol Prices Above ₦739/Litre

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    In a consumer advisory cited by The Punch, Dangote Petroleum Refinery is urging Nigerians to stop buying petrol above ₦739 per litre, arguing that locally refined PMS should reach end-users at a lower price through its retail channels.

    The refinery says the goal is to prevent “middlemen pricing” from swallowing announced reductions, especially in high-demand corridors where price spikes often persist even after depot adjustments.

    It also introduced a reporting mechanism aimed at naming and shaming stations that sell above the advised ceiling, presenting the effort as consumer protection and market discipline.

    If the call gains traction, it could intensify downstream competition—pushing marketers to either match the price band or clearly justify premiums linked to logistics and location.

    Validation: Vanguard quoted the refinery saying, “We encourage Nigerians to avoid buying PMS… at ₦739 per litre… Report any MRS station selling above ₦739.” Legit.ng similarly quoted: “We encourage Nigerians to avoid buying PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.”

    Echotitbits take: This is a stress test of Nigeria’s retail transparency. Watch whether enforcement is consumer-led (hotlines + publicity) or regulator-led (monitoring + penalties), and whether rural/remote pricing remains a loophole.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/stop-buying-petrol-above-n739-litre-dangote-tells-nigerians/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23

  • Dangote petrol rollout: ₦739/litre hits MRS outlets as supply test begins

    Dangote petrol rollout: ₦739/litre hits MRS outlets as supply test begins

    Photo credit: The Punch
    2025-12-22 09:00:00

    In an update published by *The Punch*, Dangote Refinery has begun a nationwide petrol price rollout tied to its distribution arrangement with MRS Oil outlets, putting pump price at about ₦739 per litre in participating stations.

    The move is being positioned as a stabilisation push—aimed at reducing downstream volatility, narrowing price dispersion across regions, and increasing locally refined supply into retail channels.

    Market watchers say the real test will be continuity of supply and whether other marketers match the pricing—especially in high-transport-cost corridors where pump prices typically climb.

    For consumers, the announcement lands as a pocketbook story: transport costs, food logistics, and small-business energy spending often respond quickly to fuel pricing shifts.

    Channels TV reported Dangote’s statement that “Starting from Tuesday, MRS will start selling petrol at N739/litre,” while Vanguard also reported the refinery “commenced nationwide sales… at a pump price of N739 per litre” via MRS outlets.

    **Echotitbits take:** This is not just a price headline—it’s a supply-chain stress test. Watch for (1) sustained volumes, (2) whether queues return, and (3) how regulators respond if pricing triggers new tension among marketers.

    Source: The Punch — December 22, 2025 (https://punchng.com/dangote-launches-n739-litre-petrol-at-mrs-stations-nationwide/)

  • Regulators Exit as Dangote–NMDPRA Dispute Rattles Nigeria’s Fuel Market

    Regulators Exit as Dangote–NMDPRA Dispute Rattles Nigeria’s Fuel Market

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    According to Punch, Nigeria’s petroleum sector was jolted by the resignation of the heads of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), amid an escalating dispute tied to Dangote Refinery’s allegations and petition.

    The report says the resignations followed weeks of public tension over fuel import licensing, pricing dynamics, and regulatory oversight, with marketers warning that uncertainty could deepen the squeeze on downstream operators.

    Punch notes that Dangote’s petition to the ICPC alleging questionable wealth and conduct by the NMDPRA chief added pressure to an already heated standoff, even as government moved to nominate replacements for both agencies.

    ICPC, in a public notice, confirmed it had received “a formal petition” against the NMDPRA CEO and said “the petition will be duly investigated.” (ICPC)

    Reuters also reported the shake-up as a major signal to investors watching the refining and downstream market, quoting an energy lawyer who said the developments were not expected to “adversely affect investor confidence.” (Reuters)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A regulator shake-up in the middle of a pricing war raises fresh questions about policy consistency under the Petroleum Industry Act. Watch for what the Senate confirmation hearings reveal—especially on import licensing, market competition rules, and how government balances energy security with private refining ambitions.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/petrol-war-fallout-nmdpra-nuprc-bosses-resign-as-dangotes-petition-rocks-sector/)

    Photo credit: Punch

  • ICPC confirms receipt of Dangote petition against NMDPRA chief, says it will investigate

    ICPC confirms receipt of Dangote petition against NMDPRA chief, says it will investigate

    NMDPRA (as credited by Punch)
    2025-12-17

    The anti‑corruption agency ICPC says it has received a formal petition from billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote against the chief executive of Nigeria’s downstream regulator, the NMDPRA, amid an intensifying dispute over fuel imports and regulation.

    The petition escalates a broader public battle between Dangote’s refinery interests and the regulator over licensing and market rules, with significant implications for Nigeria’s fuel pricing, import dependence and local refining strategy.

    Regulatory credibility is on the line: allegations of misconduct, if substantiated, could trigger leadership changes and policy shifts; if unproven, the episode could still deepen mistrust in the governance of the downstream sector.

    The coming days will likely feature competing narratives, lobbying from marketers, and calls for transparent disclosure around licences, volumes and pricing benchmarks.

    ICPC: “it received a formal petition… The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”

    Reuters: “You don’t use imports to checkmate domestic potential,” Dangote told reporters.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is now bigger than personalities — it’s a test of Nigeria’s downstream reform story. Watch for ICPC’s investigative steps, any interim actions, and whether government moves to calm market nerves around supply and pricing.

    Source: Punch — December 17, 2025 — https://punchng.com/petrol-battlefield-icpc-plans-nmdpra-boss-probe-after-dangote-petition/

     

  • MRS stations begin ₦739 petrol sales in Lagos as marketers push back

    MRS stations begin ₦739 petrol sales in Lagos as marketers push back

    Photo Credit: Punch
    2025-12-17

    As pump prices remain a major political and household issue, MRS filling stations in Lagos have begun selling petrol at ₦739 per litre, triggering long queues and renewed debate about how quickly price cuts reach consumers.

    The development follows Dangote Refinery’s gantry price reduction and an effort to push retail prices lower through selected partners. However, marketers’ groups — including PETROAN — have criticised aspects of the rollout and the market disruption it could cause.

    For consumers, the immediate story is relief at the pump (where available) and confusion elsewhere as competing stations adjust prices or pause sales to manage supply and crowd control.

    For the industry, the key question is whether the ₦739 benchmark becomes nationwide — or remains a limited, Lagos‑first price in the face of logistics, inventory and competitive pressures.

    Vanguard: “Starting from Tuesday, MRS will start selling petrol at ₦739 per litre. We will enforce that low price…” Dangote said.

    P.M. News: “From Tuesday, MRS will begin selling petrol at ₦739 per litre. We will ensure that price is enforced and implemented,” Dangote said.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: If the price cut holds and spreads, it will reset expectations across the downstream market. Watch for wider station participation, any regulatory guidance on pricing/competition, and whether supply disruptions emerge from sudden demand spikes.

    Source: Punch — December 17, 2025 — https://punchng.com/mrs-begins-n739-litre-petrol-sales-petroan-kicks/