The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed petrol sales in naira following a temporary suspension, after the Nigerian government’s Naira-for-Crude Technical Committee intervened to resolve the standoff between the plant and regulators.
In a memo to marketers, the refinery confirmed that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) can once again be purchased in local currency, with options for self-collection or delivery across designated depots nationwide. The reversal follows Friday’s announcement that naira sales would be halted due to the exhaustion of the refinery’s crude-for-naira allocation.
The earlier suspension had sparked concern among industry stakeholders, as marketers were advised to request refunds for pending naira transactions and to prepare for purchases in foreign exchange until the matter was resolved.
Labour Relations Under Scrutiny
The announcement also comes against the backdrop of a major reorganisation at the facility, which led to the dismissal of hundreds of Nigerian workers. The development has drawn attention to labour relations and internal restructuring at what remains one of Africa’s most ambitious industrial projects.
Policy and Operational Balance
The refinery’s decision to restore local currency sales highlights the sensitive balance between private sector operations and government policy. Authorities view the refinery as central to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, even as it faces challenges tied to labour, foreign exchange pressures, and domestic supply obligations.
Industry analysts say the intervention underscores the government’s determination to keep local fuel transactions stable, while maintaining investor confidence in Nigeria’s refining sector.
