The Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki has indefinitely suspended all petrol (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS) loading operations as of Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Tanker drivers already queued at the facility were instructed to leave the premises immediately, with no new loading allowed until further notice.
This is the second suspension in the past week and has sparked intense speculation across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector that the refinery is preparing to announce another increase in its ex-depot petrol price potentially as early as today, Monday, March 9, 2026.
Industry stakeholders have observed a consistent pattern: Dangote frequently halts loading activities just before implementing upward price adjustments.
Recent instances include:Friday, March 6, around 2:00 a.m. WAT — loading paused, followed by a ₦121 per litre hike that lifted the ex-depot price to ₦995 per litre.
March 2 — the refinery increased the gantry price from ₦774 to ₦874 (some reports cite ₦875) per litre after an earlier suspension, citing sharp rises in global crude prices and market pressures.
The current halt comes amid renewed turbulence in international oil markets, with Brent crude reportedly surging toward $110 per barrel in recent sessions due to escalating geopolitical tensions, including developments involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Combined with ongoing challenges in securing steady local crude supply prompting NNPC to consider sourcing foreign crude for the refinery these factors are making it increasingly difficult to maintain lower domestic pricing.
Marketers, depot operators, and retail fuel stations are on high alert, as Dangote’s ex-depot decisions heavily influence nationwide pump prices.
Following previous adjustments, retail prices in many areas have climbed toward ₦1,050–₦1,200 per litre, with some analysts now warning that the next revision could push prices toward ₦1,400 or higher depending on location, transportation costs, and dealer margins.
The refinery has not yet released an official explanation for the suspension, though some industry voices suggest it may be intended to prevent hoarding by marketers anticipating another increase.
Diesel (AGO) loading operations are reportedly continuing without interruption.With global crude benchmarks remaining elevated and Middle East tensions unresolved, this latest development highlights how international market dynamics continue to exert strong influence on Nigeria’s domestic fuel pricing, even with the country’s landmark domestic refining capacity now operational.
Stakeholders are closely watching for any official announcement from Dangote in the coming hours.
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