Despite Dangote fuel distribution, petrol remains at N900 per litre in Edo as stations report no supply and prices fail to drop in Benin City

Dangote fuel distribution appears to have had little impact in Edo State, as pump prices of petrol remain stubbornly high — weeks after the refinery launched its nationwide free fuel supply initiative.

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Despite an earlier announcement by the Dangote Refinery suggesting that petrol prices in Edo would fall to N851 per litre, checks across several stations in Benin City on Monday showed prices ranging from N885 to N900, with no evidence of the promised reduction.

While most fuel station managers declined to speak publicly, a few attendants, speaking anonymously, confirmed they had not received any free fuel from the Dangote Refinery.

The situation has drawn public criticism, particularly from commercial drivers like Nosa Igbinosun, who said:

“We were hopeful prices would drop, but nothing has changed. Some stations are claiming they’ve not received supply — we need the government to check what’s going on.”

Igbinosun called on the state Task Force to investigate and ensure that petrol stations benefitting from Dangote’s distribution scheme comply with the recommended retail price.

The development comes amid wider concerns about fuel affordability and pricing transparency, particularly at a time when global oil prices remain volatile and domestic production is being ramped up through the Dangote Refinery — Africa’s largest.

Though the refinery has positioned its free fuel distribution as a measure to ease economic pressure and support the local market, implementation gaps appear to be undermining its effectiveness at state level.

Public confidence is now being tested, as expectations for a quick reduction in fuel prices remain unmet in many parts of Edo State.

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Until supply is visibly confirmed and pricing reflects official adjustments, scepticism may continue to grow among residents who were banking on relief from spiralling transport costs.