December 12, 2025 — In a decisive move set to reshape the petroleum market and offer relief to millions of Nigerians, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a significant reduction in its ex-depot petrol price to ₦699 per litre, down from ₦828. The new price, representing a ₦129 cut, took effect on December 11, 2025.This adjustment marks the 20th petrol price review by the refinery this year, reflecting an aggressive and strategic effort to keep domestic fuel prices competitive amid fluctuating global market conditions.
Why the Price Slash Matters
Industry observers note that the refinery’s latest move is part of a broader strategy aimed at:
Ensuring affordable domestic fuel pricing, even as global crude oil markets remain unpredictable.
Strengthening its competitive edge by offering more attractive prices than other suppliers, including private depots and national operators.
Prompting other fuel marketers to adjust their ex-depot prices, though none have matched Dangote’s steep reduction.
Refinery insiders maintain that the review aligns with Dangote’s commitment to market stability, particularly at a time when issues such as fuel smuggling and price speculation continue to impact the sector.
Expected Impact on Pump Prices
With pump prices in many parts of the country recently surpassing ₦900 per litre, this latest cut is widely expected to bring down the cost of petrol at filling stations in the coming days.Transport unions and consumer groups anticipate that:Cost of transportation may gradually decline as marketers begin to reflect the new ex-depot rate.
The development could trigger heightened market competition, potentially leading to broader price reductions across the downstream sector.
A Shifting Energy Landscape
The Dangote Refinery — Africa’s largest single-train refinery — has increasingly become a stabilizing force in Nigeria’s energy space. With its expanding production capacity and frequent price adjustments, the refinery continues to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel and reinforce domestic supply.
As the festive season approaches, Nigerians will now be watching closely to see how quickly the price slash translates to relief at the pump — and whether the move sparks a new wave of competitive pricing nationwide.
