The rivalry between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery has escalated amid allegations of a smear campaign and a growing price war in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
A report by Nigeria Voice claims Dangote’s media team is behind a campaign to discredit NNPCL and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. The report alleges that a recent story titled “NNPCL Imports Over 200 Million Litres of Petrol in February Despite Refinery Overhaul” was sponsored to undermine NNPCL’s operations.
Although NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye has yet to respond officially, petroleum marketers familiar with the situation told reporter that available data does not support claims of such large-scale fuel imports within days after mid-February 2025.
Meanwhile, a viral video review has further fueled the controversy, with claims that petrol purchased from an MRS Filling Station in Lagos, supplied by Dangote Refinery, lasted longer in a generator than fuel from NNPCL. Soneye dismissed the claims as “baseless and unfounded.”
The battle between NNPCL and Dangote intensified following the revival of Port Harcourt and Warri refineries last year. Now, the price war is in full swing—MRS stations selling Dangote’s petrol offer it at ₦945 per litre, while NNPCL stations price theirs at ₦965.
With tensions rising, the clash between these oil giants is far from over.
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