Dangote Petroleum Refinery has launched nationwide sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a competitive pump price of ₦739 per litre exclusively through MRS Oil stations, marking its boldest affordability push yet amid fluctuating global crude dynamics. This aggressive pricing, effective immediately at select MRS outlets across major cities, undercuts prevailing market rates hovering above ₦900, positioning the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility as a game-changer for Nigerian motorists during the Yuletide rush. The move follows serial ex-depot slashes from ₦950 in February to ₦699 gantry by December 11 its 20th adjustment this year, with Aliko Dangote vowing competition against imports despite border smuggling challenges.
MRS, a key Dangote distribution partner alongside Ardova, Heyden, and Optima, confirmed the rollout with regional variations minimized for accessibility, urging consumers to report overpricing via hotlines while promising steady supply. Industry watchers hail it as relief after earlier hikes to ₦925 in Lagos during June's oil volatility, crediting refinery efficiencies and CNG truck deployments for logistics edge over importers. Dangote's December 6 assurance to President Tinubu emphasized 55% cheaper local fuel versus neighbors, fueling optimism for broader drops as production ramps to meet 45 million litres daily PMS demand.
Motorists queued eagerly at pioneer stations, with social media ablaze over potential ripple effects on transport fares and inflation under Tinubu's reforms. Critics note sustainability hinges on curbing leakages, but the launch validates Dangote's monopoly-busting pledge, eyeing exports next. As queues form, this MRS-exclusive blitz tests scalability toward uniform national pricing.