The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the suspension of petrol sales in naira, effective September 28, 2025, due to the exhaustion of its crude-for-naira allocation. This decision has sent shockwaves among oil marketers and raised concerns about fuel pricing and foreign exchange pressure.

Reasons Behind the Suspension

According to the refinery, the suspension is necessary because it has been selling petroleum products in excess of its naira-crude allocations. In an email to customers, the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals explained that it cannot sustain petrol sales in naira going forward.

Impact on Customers

Customers with ongoing naira-based transactions have been advised to formally request refunds. The notice titled “Suspension of DPRP PMS Naira Sales – Effective 28th September 2025” provides guidance on the refund process.

Potential Price Hike

Industry analysts warn that this move could trigger volatility in the downstream sector, potentially leading to a hike in petrol prices if transactions are shifted predominantly to dollars. Jeremiah Olatide, CEO of (link unavailable), cautions that petrol prices could soar above ₦900 per litre.

Labour Dispute

The suspension announcement coincides with a heated labour dispute between the refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). The union has accused Dangote of anti-labour practices following the termination of hundreds of Nigerian workers and has threatened nationwide solidarity actions if the matter is not addressed.

Concerns About Energy Security

Stakeholders fear that the dual crises – naira sales suspension and labour unrest – could undermine government efforts to stabilise the fuel market under the current reform agenda. With the refinery considered vital to Nigeria’s energy security, the situation bears close monitoring.

The notice read, “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

“Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

“All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”