Dangote Refinery petrol pricing is uniform for all marketers, says MD David Bird, dismissing claims that MRS receives preferential rates
Dangote Refinery Plc on Wednesday denied claims that it gives preferential petrol pricing to MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, insisting that all marketers purchase fuel at the same rate.
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The refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, spoke during a press briefing at the Dangote Refinery complex in Lagos, addressing public debate over reports of lower petrol prices at MRS filling stations.
“No preferential pricing at the refinery gate,” Bird said. “Every truck that leaves this site purchases product at ₦699 ex-gate. There is no differentiation among customers.”
He clarified that retail prices are determined by marketers, influenced by logistics, operating costs, margins and distribution strategies, not directives from the refinery.
David Bird highlighted that Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector is fully deregulated, allowing marketers the freedom to set their own pump prices in a competitive market.
“Consumers have the freedom to decide where to buy fuel, whether based on convenience, brand loyalty or proximity,” he added, stressing that price differences reflect operational efficiency, not market distortion.
Responding to speculation that MRS receives special treatment, Bird said any pricing advantage stems from commercial and operational decisions by the marketers themselves.
He urged consumers to focus on fuel quality rather than price, noting that all petrol sold in Nigeria meets regulatory standards.
On domestic supply, the refinery confirmed it produces about 50 million litres of fuel daily, sufficient to meet national demand.
Bird acknowledged occasional demand volatility due to price adjustments and currency fluctuations but expressed confidence in the refinery’s capacity to meet future growth.
Meanwhile, market competition has intensified, with several filling stations selling petrol below the ₦739 per litre benchmark previously promoted by Dangote Refinery.
A recent survey showed that some outlets now undercut MRS prices in Lagos, Ogun and other cities.
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Bird reaffirmed the refinery’s operational stability, saying, “We have consistently delivered 50 million litres per day. Whenever offtake requires it, marketers have been able to lift those volumes.”
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
