By DAYO ADESULU
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has taken a decisive step to enforce fair fuel pricing across Nigeria with the launch of a nationwide hotline for reporting MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) above the approved pump price of ₦739 per litre.
The move reinforces Dangote Refinery’s growing role in reshaping Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, while placing consumers at the centre of pricing accountability.
Dangote PMS Price Enforcement Targets Over 2,000 MRS Stations
In a statement issued on Monday, the refinery announced that Nigerians can now call 0800 123 5264 to report any MRS filling station violating the ₦739 per litre PMS price. The hotline is active nationwide and covers over 2,000 MRS stations operating across the country.
According to the refinery, the initiative is designed to ensure that the benefits of its recent nationwide PMS price reduction reach everyday Nigerians without interference from profiteering middlemen.
This development follows Dangote Refinery’s commencement of nationwide PMS distribution at ₦739 per litre, a strategic pricing intervention aimed at easing economic pressure on households, transport operators, and businesses—especially during the festive season when fuel demand traditionally spikes.
“Avoid Buying Inflated PMS” — Dangote Refinery Appeals to Nigerians
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and consumer protection, the refinery urged Nigerians to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when locally refined PMS is available at a lower, regulated rate.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at ₦739 per litre. Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the statement read.
Industry analysts say the call is significant, as it places enforcement power directly in the hands of consumers, complementing the role of regulatory agencies.
Dangote Refinery Guarantees Supply, Warns Against Artificial Scarcity
Beyond pricing, Dangote Refinery also moved to address concerns around supply manipulation. The company disclosed that it currently guarantees a daily output of 50 million litres of PMS, enough to meet domestic demand and eliminate excuses for hoarding or price inflation.
The refinery warned that any attempt to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction would be viewed as unpatriotic and harmful to national economic stability.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
This warning comes amid reports of isolated fuel queues and speculative pricing in some areas, often linked to distribution bottlenecks or opportunistic operators.
Regulators Urged to Act as Dangote Backs Market Discipline
Dangote Refinery called on petroleum sector regulators to intensify monitoring and enforcement, stressing that sustained price stability requires collaboration between producers, marketers, regulators, and consumers.
Observers note that the refinery’s intervention aligns with broader government efforts to sanitise the downstream market following subsidy removal, while ensuring Nigerians are not subjected to unnecessary hardship.
By providing a direct reporting channel, the refinery has effectively created a feedback loop that could expose violations in real time and deter future abuses.
Local Refining, Forex Savings, and Energy Security Gains
Beyond immediate price relief, the hotline initiative highlights the broader economic impact of large-scale local refining. By producing PMS domestically, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, conserving scarce foreign exchange, and supporting Naira stability.
Energy experts argue that sustained local refining could also shield Nigeria from global oil price shocks and logistics disruptions, while strengthening national energy security.
In addition, local refining shortens supply chains, lowers transportation costs, and improves fuel quality control—benefits that translate directly to consumers.
Consumers Advised to Stay Alert, Report Violations
As the festive season approaches its peak, Dangote Refinery advised Nigerians to remain vigilant, patronise stations selling at approved rates, and promptly report any violations through the hotline.
The company maintained that affordable, high-quality fuel remains central to economic recovery and social stability, particularly at a time when inflation continues to pressure household incomes.
With the introduction of the reporting hotline, industry watchers believe Dangote Refinery has set a new benchmark for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market—one that could redefine pricing discipline nationwide.
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