Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, marking a nationwide adjustment following the end of the festive season. The development is expected to have a direct impact on fuel costs for motorists and households across Nigeria.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the refinery disclosed that the gantry price of petrol has been reviewed upward from ₦699 per litre to ₦799 per litre. This adjustment, according to market checks, translates to an average pump price of about ₦839 per litre at MRS filling stations across the country, one of the major retail outlets distributing Dangote-refined products.

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The company explained that the latest price increase reflects a return to normal market conditions after temporary interventions during the holiday period. During the festivities, Dangote Refinery said it introduced special support measures aimed at cushioning the effect of fuel costs on consumers at a time of heightened spending.

According to the refinery, the earlier reduction in petrol prices was never intended to be permanent. Instead, it was designed as a short-term relief to help Nigerians manage increased financial pressure associated with travel, celebrations, and general economic demands during the festive season.

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Providing further clarification, Dangote Petroleum Refinery noted that this was not the first time it had stepped in during peak periods to stabilise the fuel market. The company recalled that in 2024, it absorbed part of the logistics and distribution costs to ensure petrol was available at relatively lower prices for consumers.

In 2025, the refinery again intervened by reducing petrol prices during the festive season to calm market volatility and improve affordability. These measures, it said, were part of its broader commitment to supporting the Nigerian economy and easing the burden on citizens during critical periods.

However, the company expressed concern that the intended benefits of the price reductions were not fully felt by consumers. It observed that several filling stations failed to reflect the reduced prices at the pump, despite the lower gantry rates offered during the intervention period.

Dangote Refinery noted that this practice limited the positive impact of its temporary pricing support, as many motorists and households continued to pay higher prices than what was officially recommended.

Despite the latest increase, the refinery reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring steady fuel supply and promoting a balanced and sustainable petroleum market. It stressed that its operations are geared toward long-term price stability rather than short-lived interventions that may distort market dynamics.

The company also highlighted its broader objective of strengthening Nigeria’s energy security by reducing reliance on imported refined petroleum products. By refining fuel locally, Dangote Refinery aims to improve supply consistency, lower foreign exchange pressure, and contribute to a more resilient downstream petroleum sector.

Industry observers note that while the price increase may add pressure on consumers in the short term, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the refinery’s operations help stabilise supply and pricing over time. For many Nigerians, the focus remains on whether market competition and regulatory oversight will ensure that pump prices fairly reflect changes at the gantry level.

As the country adjusts to post-festive economic realities, the latest move by Dangote Petroleum Refinery underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing consumer relief with market sustainability in Nigeria’s fuel sector.