Nigeria’s largest refinery has suspended petrol sales in naira, a move that could unsettle fuel prices and worsen the nation’s economic strain.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced on Friday that it had exhausted its crude-for-naira allocation, forcing a halt to local currency transactions from Sunday, September 28, 2025. Customers who already paid in naira have been told to request refunds.
Analysts warn the decision may push petrol prices above ₦900 per litre as marketers turn to dollar payments. In March, a similar suspension caused prices to climb close to ₦1,000 per litre, raising fears of another sharp spike.
The development comes as the refinery faces mounting labour unrest. Unions accuse the company of sacking more than 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with foreigners — a claim that has triggered calls for nationwide protests.
With fuel supply and prices already under pressure, experts say the refinery’s troubles could derail government reforms aimed at stabilising the energy sector.
