The Dangote Group has accused influential oil import cartels of using labour unions and industry associations to sabotage its refinery operations, warning that such moves endanger Nigeria’s push for economic self-reliance.
In a statement issued Monday, the company faulted the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria for resisting its recent petrol price cuts.
“It is regrettable that NUPENG has allowed itself to be weaponised by powerful oil import cartels that have consistently benefitted from Nigeria’s over-reliance on imported petroleum products, to the detriment of national growth and economic independence,” the company said.
The statement followed NUPENG’s dismissal of the refinery’s price cut as a “Greek gift” and DAPPMAN’s description of the move as “unpatriotic.” Dangote said the reactions exposed the vested interests driving opposition to the refinery.
“Where is their own gift?”, the company asked. “If, as they claim, it is cheaper to import than to refine domestically, why have these same players not voluntarily reduced prices ahead of the Dangote Refinery’s interventions? Nigerians can attest that price reductions only occur in response to the refinery’s actions.”
On Saturday, DAPPMAN accused the Dangote Petroleum Refinery of engaging in pricing practices that distort competition, hurt local businesses, and contradict its claims of prioritizing Nigerian consumers.
The allegation was made in a statement signed by the association’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi A. Adewole.
“These reductions were often strategically timed when other importers had active cargoes at sea or in tank, creating price shocks that undermined competition and imposed financial strain on fellow market participants, including the refinery’s own domestic customers. “Even more concerning is the refinery’s pattern of offering lower prices to international buyers while quoting higher rates to local off takers. This contradicts public-facing claims of prioritizing Nigerians and places unnecessary burden on domestic businesses already operating under tight margins,” the statement said.
The association further argued that the refinery’s claim of offering free delivery of petroleum products is “misleading.”
Adewole added, “In reality, marketers are required to lift at least 25 percent of their allocations directly from the refinery gantry and must do so using only Dangote-owned trucks, paying commercial rates based on their destination.
“This arrangement imposes additional logistical and financial burdens on marketers, limits operational flexibility, and undermines the narrative of cost relief being provided to the local market.”
Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced it will begin direct petrol supply to 11 states on Monday, September 15, 2025.
