Depots Adjust Petrol, Diesel Prices as Dangote Is Set to Run Below Capacity
- Private depot owners have adjusted petrol and diesel prices across Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar over the past few days
- The changes in prices at depots come amid reports that Dangote Refinery is facing operational challenges, limiting production
- New data showed renewed upward pressure across key depots in Nigeria, which could filter down to filling stations in the country
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and energy markets.
The price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) diesel increased at Nigerian depots in the last week of January 2026.
Data obtained from Petroleumprice.ng showed that in the previous week, petrol averaged around N800 per litre, while diesel averaged N930 per litre.
Source: Getty Images
The increase comes amid delayed import licences and market speculation over domestic supply.
Dealers cited concerns that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery may continue to operate below full capacity, affecting local distribution.
Petrol price increase in areas of Nigeria
In Lagos, PMS prices were largely stable, with AA Rano easing to N714, AITEO, Rainoil, and Eternal holding at N800, and Shellplux steady at N725.
In Warri, a tighter local supply pushed Matrix to N767, while Optima depots adjusted to N765, Zamson to N765, and A&E to N751.
In Calabar, thin availability supported PMS, keeping prices around N767, N765, N765, and N751.
Diesel prices jump amid reports on Dangote
AGO prices also rose across major depots.
In Lagos, Aipec increased from N908 to N915, A.A Rano from N911 to N915, and Gulf Treasure from N910 to N911.
In Port Harcourt, Bulk Strategic raised diesel from N951 to N970.
In Warri, diesel prices remained mostly flat, with Matrix holding at N945 and Edo Refinery at N955, as low sales volumes reduced upward pressure.
Nigerian fuel import delays tighten supply outlook
Industry analysts said delays in issuing import licences had reduced product inflows, leaving several jetties idle and tightening depot supply nationwide.
They warn that prolonged licence uncertainty could sustain upward pressure on PMS and AGO rates, particularly if replenishment delays continued.
Source: Getty Images
Dangote refinery output still constrained
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated ramp-up of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to face technical challenges.
Persistent outages at its 200,000-barrel-per-day Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC) have capped gasoline output.
A restart is now expected around February 10, 2026, but analysts warned that steady-state operations are still several months away, delaying a smooth production ramp-up, according to Premium Times.
With PMS prices clustering around N800 per litre at private depots, market participants stated that retail pump prices may remain under pressure until supply conditions improve.
NNPC petrol prices in Lagos, other states
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had announced a new petrol pump price, with checks showing that in Lagos, retail outlets are dispensing fuel at N784 per litre.
With the latest adjustment, NNPCL retail outlets are now selling petrol almost at the same rate as Dangote Refinery’s partner stations, helping to bring relief to consumers amid high costs of transportation and energy.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
