The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced it will suspend petrol sales in naira starting Sunday, September 28, 2025, a move that has unsettled fuel marketers and heightened fears of fresh volatility in Nigeria’s fragile downstream sector.
In a notice circulated to customers late Friday, the refinery said it had exhausted its crude-for-naira allocation, making it impossible to continue local currency transactions.
“We are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward,” the statement, signed by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, read. Customers with ongoing naira-based transactions were advised to apply for refunds.
Labour Disputes Deepen Crisis
The announcement comes against the backdrop of mounting industrial unrest. On Friday, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) accused the refinery of sacking over 800 Nigerian workers for joining the union, calling the move “anti-labour.”
The association warned of nationwide solidarity actions if the dismissals are not reversed, raising the prospect of supply disruptions just as the currency sales suspension takes effect.
Analysts Warn of Price Surge
This is not the first time Dangote has halted naira sales. In March 2025, the refinery briefly suspended local currency transactions, pushing pump prices close to ₦1,000 per litre.
Analysts say history could repeat itself.
Jeremiah Olatide, CEO of Petroleumprice.ng, cautioned petrol could rise above ₦900 per litre if marketers are forced to trade in dollars.
He stressed that Dangote’s supply had been a key factor moderating petrol costs in recent months, making the refinery “critical to Nigeria’s fuel stability.”
The twin challenges of currency restrictions and labour disputes have sparked fresh concerns about Nigeria’s energy security.
With Dangote Refinery positioned as the cornerstone of the country’s fuel supply, stakeholders warn that continued instability could derail government reforms aimed at stabilising the downstream market.
For millions of Nigerians, the immediate worry is simple: Will petrol prices soar again, and how quickly can authorities act to avert another round of economic pain?
