Marketers Warn Petrol May Hit N2,000 Per Litre, Urge FG To Intervene And Curb Dangote’s Influence

September 17, 2026 Northern Nigeria

Fuel marketers call on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the petrol market, warning that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit could rise to N2,000 per litre if international crude oil prices continue to increase.

According to PUNCH, The warning followed the latest increase in gantry price by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which raised its price from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre effective Saturday, September 12 — an N85 or 6.7 percent increase. The refinery also increased its coastal price by N113,987 to N1,783,530.

Checks by PUNCH showed this is the fourth upward review in 22 days. Dangote had increased price from N1,165 to N1,185 on August 21, to N1,200 on August 26, to N1,265 on August 29, and now to N1,350 — a total increase of N185 per litre or 15.9 percent in three weeks.

Speaking on the development to PUNCH, the Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, said rising international crude prices will continue to push up domestic prices unless government intervenes.

“Petrol prices will continue to go up if the crude oil price continues to rise. So we are crying for the intervention of the presidential committee on crude oil. Let them see what can be done for Nigerians to alleviate this incessant increase, because rising oil prices are definitely going to continue to increase the price of petroleum products,” Ukadike said.

Ukadike urged the government to supply crude to domestic refineries at a price slightly different from the international market and to review statutory charges associated with shipping and distribution. He said government could reduce the impact on consumers by removing or reducing some taxes and fees imposed on petroleum products.

Marketers also urged the government to curb Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s growing influence over the market, as MRS filling stations backed by Dangote adjusted from N1,310 to N1,395 in Lagos, while other stations in Ogun and Lagos now sell between N1,360 and N1,395 per litre.

The marketers’ call comes as petrol now sells for as high as N1,500 per litre in Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba and Zamfara, and between N1,379 and N1,470 across most other states, with black market prices hitting N2,000 in Jigawa.