Dangote Denies Selling Petrol Cheaper to Togo Than Nigeria
The Dangote Group has strongly denied claims that its refinery sells petrol at lower prices to international traders in Togo compared to Nigerian marketers. The company described the allegations made by the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) as misleading and not supported by facts.
DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, had alleged that Nigerian marketers sometimes bought petrol through international traders in Lome, Togo, at cheaper rates—up to N65 less than the price directly offered by the Dangote refinery in Nigeria. According to him, this made it more cost-effective in some cases to import the product from abroad rather than buying locally.
Responding to the allegation in a detailed statement, Dangote Group dismissed the claims and questioned why Nigeria’s pump price is N865 per litre while the average price in Togo is significantly higher. The company explained that in Lomé, the average pump price stands at about 680 CFA francs per litre, equivalent to N1,826—more than double Nigeria’s rate. Dangote stressed that this proves petrol is cheaper in Nigeria, not Togo.
The company also accused some marketers of round-tripping. This means buying petrol produced in Nigeria, moving it through Togo, and then bringing it back to Nigeria at inflated prices. Dangote argued that this practice increases costs unnecessarily and is not in the interest of Nigerian consumers. It further pointed out that some operators are more focused on exploiting price differences for profit rather than ensuring fuel supply for the domestic market.
According to Dangote, the refinery has positioned Nigeria as the hub of affordable petrol for West Africa, even though more than 60 percent of the crude oil it processes is imported. The group added that its local partners enjoy several benefits, such as volume-based discounts, credit facilities, and logistics support, which ensure affordability and constant supply across Nigeria.
The company also explained that there are natural differences in pricing depending on where the product is purchased, whether from the Single Point Mooring (SPM) facilities or the gantry. While smuggling products through SPM is easier, moving them across land borders is much more complex and costly. Despite this, Dangote maintained that it is committed to ensuring Nigerian consumers get the best prices.
Dangote insisted that if the marketers’ true intention was to serve the Nigerian domestic market, they should work directly with the refinery rather than resorting to importing or round-tripping. It added that those who have partnered with the refinery are already receiving reliable supply, incentives, and agreed pricing that ensures availability nationwide.
The disagreement between DAPPMAN and the Dangote refinery highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. While marketers argue that they face challenges in accessing affordable petrol, Dangote maintains that its refinery is providing Nigeria with the cheapest supply in the region. Industry experts warn that resolving this dispute is crucial for achieving stable fuel prices, protecting consumers, and strengthening energy security in Africa’s largest oil-producing nation.
