Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reiterated its commitment to go ahead with its free fuel distribution logistics initiative nationwide.

The refinery had come under intense criticism from National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

The refinery has dismissed several claims made by the oil and gas associations, saying it is all part of a coordinated attempt to derail the free distribution of petrol.

NUPENG had accused the refinery of anti-union practices, including refusing to allow drivers to join the group. The union threatened to embark on industrial action over the matter.

While DAPPMAN claims that members of the group bought Dangote’s petrol from international traders in Lome, Togo, at prices lower than what was offered locally by the refinery.

DAPPMAN also said importers had made efforts to buy petrol from the Dangote refinery, but the price was higher, adding that sometimes, it could be better to import the product.

"Dangote is selling to international traders at N65 lower than what he offers in Nigeria, or how is it possible for some of our members to buy from someone who bought from Dangote?

Both claims have been refuted by Dangote Refinery.

Dangote denies claims of NUPENG, Depot owners

Dangote in response to DAPPMAN noted that the average pump price in Lomé is about 680 CFA francs ($1.13) per litre, or roughly 1,826 naira, significantly higher than Nigerian prices, Punch reports.

The refinery also pointed to past controversies in the downstream sector, the Nation reports.

It noted that in January 2022, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) reported that one of DAPPMAN’s members had supplied petrol with over 15% methanol, causing widespread engine damage. Dangote said no transparent investigation was ever conducted into the incident

Dangote said: “This figure reflects the very scenario that DAPPMAN and its affiliates appear to advocate for in Nigeria. The Dangote Refinery has positioned Nigeria as a primary source of affordable petrol feedstock for West Africa, despite the refinery importing over 60% of the crude oil it processes.

"Remarkably, the refinery can offer petrol at prices below the international benchmark within the sub-Saharan region."

Dangote new petrol prices

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Dangote had decided to slash both its ex-depot and pump prices of petrol to ₦820 and ₦840 per litre.

The changes, which began on Monday, September 14, 2025, will initially cover seven states before gradually spreading nationwide.

Previously sold at ₦865, petrol will now be adjusted by Dangote Refinery’s partners to reflect the new prices.