No proof Dangote petrol sells cheaper outside Nigeria, refinery rejects claims
By Aboki Forex —
Claims that petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is cheaper outside Nigeria than within the country have no verifiable evidence. The refinery has also rejected allegations that it exports fuel for re-import into Nigeria.
The controversy began after reports on June 19, 2026, cited S&P Global commodity analyst Matthew Tracy-Cook speaking at a Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) webinar. Tracy-Cook noted that between March and May 2026, more than 70 to 80 per cent of petroleum products imported into Nigeria by sea originated from the Dangote Refinery through coastal trade routes linked to the Lomé Ship-to-Ship (STS) hub in Togo.
What the analyst actually said
Tracy-Cook highlighted changing fuel supply patterns across West Africa and the growing role of the Dangote Refinery in regional trade. However, he did not state that Dangote petrol was cheaper outside Nigeria or that marketers imported it solely because of lower prices.
Despite this, online speculation quickly took off. Many Nigerians concluded on social media that marketers preferred importing Dangote fuel through neighbouring countries because it cost less than buying directly in Nigeria. None of the reports cited pricing data or official import records to back this up.
Dangote Refinery denies the allegations
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strongly rejected claims that it exports products to Lomé only for them to be re-imported into Nigeria. In a statement, the company described the allegations as false, misleading and inconsistent with its business model.
The refinery said facilitating imports that compete with its own domestic sales would make little commercial sense. It also stated that its sales agreements and tender conditions expressly prohibit buyers from reselling or re-importing its petroleum products into Nigeria. Dangote added that its focus remains on strengthening Nigeria's energy security and reducing dependence on imported refined products.
No pricing data to support the claim
A review of publicly available information shows no verifiable evidence that Dangote petrol is sold cheaper outside Nigeria. While reports confirm increased fuel imports through regional hubs and the movement of Dangote-origin products within West African supply chains, they do not establish lower prices abroad.
Marketers importing petrol into Nigeria have not released pricing data showing that imported Dangote fuel offers a cost advantage over locally purchased supplies. Without official price comparisons, customs documentation or verified commercial records, the claim remains unsubstantiated.
As of now, there is no independently verified proof that Dangote petrol is cheaper in Togo or any neighbouring country than it is in Nigeria.
For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the claim, if true, would raise questions about pricing fairness in the domestic market. But until credible pricing data emerges, assertions that Dangote petrol sells cheaper outside Nigeria should be treated with caution.