Dangote Refinery Suspends Naira-Based Petrol Sales Amid Currency Pressure
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the suspension of petrol sales in Nigeria’s local currency, the naira, effective Sunday, September 28, 2025. The company explained that it had exhausted its naira-denominated crude allocations and therefore could no longer sustain sales in the local currency. Customers with ongoing naira transactions have been advised to request refunds.
In a notice sent to clients, the refinery stated that it had already been selling petroleum products beyond its permitted naira-crude allocation. Going forward, sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will be strictly conducted in foreign currency until further notice.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened labor unrest within the refinery. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has accused management of dismissing more than 800 Nigerian workers, sparking threats of nationwide protests and industrial actions if the issue is not resolved.
Economic analysts warn that the suspension could trigger another sharp rise in fuel prices across the country, with fears that pump prices may climb above previous highs experienced during similar policy shifts. The move also underscores deeper challenges facing Nigeria’s petroleum sector, particularly the strain of foreign exchange shortages on domestic fuel sales.
For now, the company has not provided a timeline for when naira-based sales might resume, leaving both consumers and industry stakeholders on edge.
