The price war in Nigeria’s petroleum sector has deepened, with several filling stations now selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) below the N739 per litre benchmark set by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The move comes amid intense competition among marketers seeking to retain customers and remain viable in a market affected by rising costs.
A survey conducted over the weekend revealed that some retail outlets have adjusted their pump prices to stay competitive, even at a loss.
Punch reports that NIPCO filling stations sold PMS at N738 per litre, SAO outlets priced it at N735, while Akiavic offered it at N737.
An AP filling station located beside an MRS outlet in Mowe, Ogun State, dropped its price to N736 per litre, this is lower than the Dangote-backed MRS, which continues to sell at N739 per litre.
NNPC filling stations are selling at N785 in Lagos and N815 in Abuja.
NIPCO – N738 per litre
SAO – N735 per litre
Akiavic – N737 per litre
AP Filling Station (beside MRS, Mowe, Ogun State) – N736 per litre
The price adjustments follow the Dangote refinery’s decision in December 2025 to slash its gantry price from N828 to N699 per litre.
While the reduction was aimed at making locally refined petrol more accessible, it forced importers and depot owners to recalibrate their retail prices.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has explained that demand now largely dictates retail pricing, with patronage favoring stations offering the most competitive rates.
According to the association, marketers who refuse to adjust their prices risk losing clients as interest charges and operational costs accumulate.
