Nigeria's filling stations kicked off a welcome price drop on December 17, 2025, trimming Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) costs by N45 per litre in response to Dangote Refinery's aggressive gantry reductions, offering commuters respite ahead of Christmas travel amid deregulation dynamics. Major marketers aligned with the refinery's latest N699 ex-depot benchmark down N129 from N828 translating to pump savings that ease inflation bites on transport and goods, with northern and southeastern outlets leading the charge where logistics hikes typically sting hardest.
Aliko Dangote's 20th adjustment this year underscores the refinery's market muscle, blending output ramps with import competition to counter smuggling losses to neighbours at 55% higher rates, as confirmed by insiders post his Tinubu parley vowing further cuts. A new 10-day credit facility for bulk buyers bolsters supply chains, potentially rippling N50-N60 retail dips nationwide if sustained.
This festive easing signals refinery maturation stabilizing post-subsidy chaos, though global crude swings and border leaks temper optimism Dangote's playbook eyes self-sufficiency to lock in gains for 2026.