Dangote Refinery Pauses Petrol Sales at Gantry Price Over Pricing Concerns


The facility says it is reviewing pricing models to ensure fairness as stakeholders await clarity on market impact.


The Dangote Refinery has temporarily suspended the sale of petrol at its gantry price, sparking industry-wide discussions about Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. The move, confirmed on Thursday, comes only months after the refinery began large-scale supply to domestic marketers.


According to industry observers, the decision is linked to ongoing pricing reviews and broader market dynamics. Gantry-level sales, which allow fuel marketers to load directly from the refinery, were introduced to strengthen supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.


A refinery spokesperson explained: β€œThe suspension is not a withdrawal from the market. We are reassessing pricing structures to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and fairness for suppliers and consumers alike.”


The development has raised concerns among marketers about potential supply disruptions and cost implications if the pause is prolonged. Some worry that the halt could create uncertainty in fuel distribution across the country.


Dr. Ibrahim Musa, an independent energy economist, commented: β€œThis pause reflects the fragile balance between private sector supply, government regulation, and market forces. If it is short-term, the impact will be minimal, but a longer suspension could ripple through the economy and influence pump prices.”


The federal government has not issued an official statement, though regulators insist the downstream market remains stable. Industry players are now waiting for clearer guidance on when sales at the gantry wi

ll resume.


Conclusion


While the suspension has introduced short-term uncertainty, experts view it as part of the broader challenge of integrating large-scale private refining into Nigeria’s historically volatile fuel market.