ABUJA, Nigeria — Several MRS filling stations across Abuja and surrounding areas have remained closed for petrol sales for at least seven days following a temporary disruption in fuel supply linked to Dangote Refinery’s suspension of naira-denominated gantry sales.
The development comes as motorists continue to grapple with rising fuel prices after marketers adjusted pump prices in response to changes in wholesale supply costs, adding fresh pressure to transportation expenses and the cost of living.
Checks at multiple MRS outlets indicated that many stations have been without Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, since July 17, leaving customers unable to purchase fuel despite growing demand.
A station manager, who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed that the supply interruption began after Dangote Refinery temporarily halted petrol sales in naira through its gantry operations.
According to the manager, the stations have not received fresh supplies since last Thursday but expressed optimism that deliveries would resume following the refinery’s decision to restart naira-based sales.
Dangote Refinery had suspended petrol gantry sales in naira on July 15 before announcing the resumption of the arrangement on Thursday. The refinery also increased its ex-depot petrol price to ₦1,215 per litre, up from ₦1,175 per litre, a move that has already filtered through the downstream petroleum market.
Industry observers say the refinery’s return to naira sales has eased uncertainty that had affected fuel distribution over the past week, although the higher wholesale price has prompted marketers and depot operators to revise retail prices upward.
In Abuja and neighbouring communities, petrol is now selling for between ₦1,300 and ₦1,340 per litre, reflecting at least two price increases recorded within the past seven days.
The latest adjustments have renewed concerns among consumers and transport operators, many of whom fear that higher fuel costs could trigger further increases in transportation fares and the prices of goods and services.
Analysts say the situation highlights the growing influence of Dangote Refinery on Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, with operational decisions at the refinery increasingly shaping product availability and pump prices nationwide.
Motorists are expected to closely monitor developments over the coming days as MRS filling stations await fresh deliveries, while industry stakeholders assess whether the restoration of naira-denominated sales will stabilize fuel distribution and ease pressure across the downstream petroleum sector.
