Fuel Scarcity Hits MRS Stations as Dangote Refinery Resumes Petrol Sales in Naira

Motorists in Abuja have been struggling to buy petrol as several MRS filling stations, a major retail partner of the Dangote Refinery, have remained without fuel supplies for at least one week.

Checks across Abuja and surrounding areas showed that many MRS outlets have been out of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) since July 17, 2026, forcing customers to seek fuel from other marketers at higher prices.

A manager at one of the affected MRS stations, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the prolonged shortage was linked to disruptions in product supply.

“We have not had fuel supply since last Thursday. However, we hope to get supply today (Friday) following the resumption of Dangote Refinery’s gantry sales in naira,” the station manager said.

The supply challenge followed Dangote Refinery’s temporary suspension of petrol sales in naira through its gantry on July 15. The refinery resumed naira sales on Thursday, raising its ex-depot price from N1,175 per litre to N1,215 per litre.

The refinery’s decision to restart naira-denominated sales has eased concerns among operators in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, where uncertainty over pricing and supply had triggered fresh increases in pump prices.

Within the past week, depot owners and petroleum marketers have adjusted petrol prices upward at least twice, reflecting the changing cost of supply.

As of Friday, petrol was selling for between N1,300 and N1,340 per litre at filling stations across parts of Abuja, with motorists expressing concern over the continued rise in fuel prices and the impact on transportation and living costs.

Industry observers are expected to monitor whether the resumption of Dangote Refinery’s naira sales will restore fuel supplies to MRS outlets and stabilise prices in the coming days.