Nigeria’s NNPC raises gas prices again as Dangote fuel hits market

Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote mega-refinery made its first gasoline deliveries on Sunday, September 15, marking a key step toward the country’s energy self-sufficiency.

On Monday, the National Oil Company (NNPC) increased fuel prices by 11%, following its purchase from the Dangote refinery.

After eight years of construction, delays, and negotiations, the Dangote refinery finally began operations.

Around 500 tanker trucks, sent by NNPC, transported 25 million liters of gasoline (Premium Motor Spirit) from the refinery, located 70 km east of Lagos. The $20 billion facility, with a future capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is designed to meet Nigeria’s fuel demand and export the surplus. Dangote gasoline is expected to be available at fuel stations starting October 1.

Despite being Africa’s top oil producer, Nigeria imports nearly all its fuel due to its non-operational state-owned refineries. At the launch Dangote’s refinery, Nigerian Finance Minister Wale Edun called it a “historic event,” signaling progress toward industrialization and energy independence.

Devakumar Edwin, vice president of Dangote Industries, said 44% of the refinery’s output would serve domestic fuel needs, and the remaining 56% would be allocated for export.