Dangote Refinery has warned that heavy reliance on coastal logistics for fuel distribution could significantly increase petrol prices in Nigeria. The company explained that while marketers can choose between coastal or gantry loading, using coastal routes could add about N75 per litre to petrol costs, potentially pushing pump prices close to N1,000 per litre if the extra cost is passed to consumers.

The refinery highlighted that its gantry facility—with 91 loading bays—remains the most cost-efficient method for fuel evacuation. This setup allows up to 2,900 tankers daily, moving over 50 million litres of petrol and 14 million litres of diesel through 24-hour operations. Gantry loading avoids port charges, maritime levies, and vessel-related costs that do not benefit consumers, ensuring fuel remains more affordable.

Dangote Refinery noted that Nigeria’s daily consumption averages 50 million litres of petrol and 14 million litres of diesel, meaning that dependence on coastal logistics could impose an additional annual cost of roughly N1.752 trillion. The company stressed that local refining has already contributed to lowering fuel prices, with petrol dropping from around N1,250 to N839–N900 per litre and diesel falling from about N1,700 to N980–N990 per litre, while also supporting naira stability and reducing foreign exchange pressures.

The statement serves as a reminder that distribution choices can have major effects on fuel prices nationwide. Dangote Refinery urged stakeholders to weigh costs carefully and consider efficient, low-cost evacuation methods to protect consumers from unnecessary price hikes.