Why Nigerians are still paying more for petrol — Dangote

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has attributed Nigeria’s high petrol prices partly to smuggling of the product to neighbouring countries where it sells at a premium.

According to Punch Newspapers, Dangote said in an interview on Arise TV that petrol prices in neighbouring countries were 30 to 50 per cent higher than in Nigeria, citing Niger as an example where prices exceed Nigeria’s by 20 to 25 per cent. He said the price gap creates a strong incentive for traders to divert petrol meant for domestic distribution across the border.

Dangote also warned that the Middle East crisis could threaten supply availability rather than pricing, though he assured Nigerians the Dangote refinery would continue meeting domestic demand without shortages.