Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Dangote Moves to Calm Nigeria’s Fuel Crisis

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has moved to allay growing fears of a nationwide fuel shortage, insisting it has over 310 million litres of petrol in stock and is “ready to load” any number of tankers.

The refinery’s vice-president, Devakumar Edwin, made the assurance in Lagos following widespread speculation that Dangote had suspended fuel supply — rumours that sent prices skyrocketing to nearly ₦1,000 per litre in some parts of the country.

“Bring your tankers. We will load. Any number of tankers you bring, we’ll load,” Edwin declared, accusing “certain interests” of spreading false information to manipulate the market.

Price Panic and Public Outcry

Over the past week, Nigerians have grappled with chaotic price jumps and erratic fuel availability. Many filling stations reportedly closed temporarily, while others sold petrol well above government-recommended prices. Transport fares surged as commuters faced mounting daily costs.

Observers say the panic stems partly from supply bottlenecks and reduced crude inflows to the Dangote facility. According to independent market trackers, the refinery’s crude intake has dropped below 300,000 barrels per day — more than a 50 percent decline from its July peak.

That decline, combined with recent operational hitches, sparked fresh rounds of price increases nationwide.

The Bigger Picture

Although the refinery remains Nigeria’s best hope for energy independence, the situation underscores the country’s fragile petroleum ecosystem. The refinery’s stockpile may provide short-term relief, but analysts warn that sustained output depends on consistent crude supply, efficient logistics, and transparent distribution channels.

Fuel marketers say that even when products are available at Dangote’s facility, transportation challenges — including tanker shortages and poor road conditions — slow deliveries to depots and retail outlets across the country.

Why It Matters

Public trust deficit: Years of fuel scarcity and unfulfilled promises have made Nigerians wary of official assurances.

Economic ripple effects: Rising petrol prices threaten to deepen inflation, already at record highs, and squeeze household incomes.

Market manipulation concerns: Experts believe speculators are exploiting uncertainty to hoard fuel and hike prices artificially.

Regulatory agencies are under pressure to verify Dangote’s claims and ensure steady nationwide distribution. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has urged marketers to load products directly from the refinery to prevent hoarding.

Meanwhile, Nigerians are watching closely to see if Dangote’s promise of “unlimited loading” will translate into cheaper fuel and stabilized supply at the pumps.

For now, the refinery’s tanks may be full — but until the queues disappear and prices normalize, public confidence remains on empty.

Philip Atume
Philip Atume
Atume Philip Terfa is a seasoned Website Content Developer and Online Editor at Silverbird Communications Limited, currently leading digital content for Rhythm 93.7 FM. With nearly seven years of experience, he crafts engaging and trend-driven content across news, entertainment, sports, and more. Passionate about storytelling and digital innovation, he consistently boosts audience engagement and online visibility.

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