No Change at the Pump After Dangote Price Cut as Citizens Question Tinubu’s Fuel Claims

Despite Dangote Refinery’s fuel price reduction, pump prices across Nigeria remain unchanged, triggering public backlash and renewed criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s fuel policy.

Nigerians have expressed growing frustration after the Dangote Refinery announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of petrol, yet fuel prices at filling stations across the country have shown no visible change.

From Lagos and Abuja to Ibadan and Port Harcourt, motorists and commuters report that pump prices remain fixed, raising questions about why the expected impact of the refinery’s price cut has not reached consumers.

Dangote Fuel Price Cut Fails to Reflect at Pump

The Dangote Refinery’s announcement had raised public expectations that locally refined fuel would bring immediate relief and reduce transport and living costs. However, checks at retail outlets show that petrol continues to sell at the same rates recorded before the reduction.

Fuel attendants at several stations confirmed they had received no directive to adjust prices downward, while commercial drivers said transport fares cannot be reduced unless fuel costs actually drop.

Citizens React, Question Tinubu’s Fuel Policy Direction

The situation has sparked criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has consistently promoted local refining and market-based pricing as long-term solutions to Nigeria’s fuel crisis.

Citizens argue that celebrating refinery price cuts without real-world impact only widens the trust gap between government messaging and everyday experience. Many Nigerians took to social media to share photos of unchanged price boards, insisting that “relief must be seen, not announced.”

Analysts Cite Distribution Gaps, Nigerians Demand Accountability

Energy analysts point to distribution margins, logistics costs, and foreign exchange pressures as possible reasons the reduction has not filtered through to consumers. Still, civil society groups say such challenges should not excuse the lack of transparency.

According to them, Nigerians deserve clear explanations on how and when refinery price cuts are expected to affect pump prices nationwide.

Reality at the Pump Shapes Public Trust

For many citizens, the issue now goes beyond fuel pricing. It has become a test of credibility. Until Nigerians see lower prices at filling stations, official assurances are likely to continue facing resistance.