Dangote refinery to halt petrol sales in Naira

Dangote Petroleum Refinery will suspend petrol transactions in Nigerian naira due to depleted crude-for-currency allocations, starting Sunday, September 28, 2025.

The Lagos-based refinery, valued at $20 billion, informed its customers late Friday evening via email that it can no longer support petrol sales in the local currency. This development follows the exhaustion of its crude oil allotment linked to naira payments from the government.

The communication, authored by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, requested customers awaiting refunds on naira purchases to formally apply for reimbursement. It clarified that this pause in petrol sales payable in naira will remain in effect until further notice.

This interruption arises amid escalating labour disputes. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has condemned what it calls the “mass dismissal” of more than 800 Nigerian workers by the refinery management. The union described the move as unfair and insensitive and threatened nationwide protests if the matter remains unresolved.

However, refinery officials countered these accusations, stating that only a limited number of employees were relieved due to incidents involving sabotage.

In March 2025, a temporary stoppage prompted concerns about dollarisation of fuel transactions and caused pump prices to approach ₦1,000 per litre.

Currently, the sector faces pronounced labour tensions as PENGASSAN alleges targeted termination of union members who had recently joined the association, claiming that over 2,000 Indian expatriates continue employment at the facility, purportedly replacing the Nigerian workers.