A group of Nigerian downstream oil marketers has asked the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate Dangote Refinery over what they describe as unfair and anti-competitive pricing practices in the country’s fuel market.
The petition, made public this week in Lagos, targets the $20-billion Dangote Refinery, now the largest supplier of refined petroleum products in Nigeria following the sharp decline in fuel imports after subsidy removal.
The marketers allege that the refinery frequently cuts prices shortly after products have been sold and loaded, leaving earlier buyers to absorb losses while later customers benefit from the reduced rates.
They said the practice has created severe uncertainty in the market, undermined trust between suppliers and buyers, and distorted price signals across the downstream petroleum sector.
According to the group, bulk buyers who lift large volumes are especially affected, as price reductions often come immediately after major purchases are completed.
The marketers argue that this effectively penalises scale, discourages volume-based transactions and threatens the viability of large distributors.
They accused Dangote Refinery of abusing its dominant market position at a time when it controls a growing share of Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply.
The consortium said such conduct violates Nigerian competition law, which prohibits price fixing, market manipulation and monopolistic behaviour.
They urged the FCCPC to use its statutory powers to investigate the refinery and, if necessary, impose sanctions or pursue legal action.
The group also called on petroleum sector regulators to work with the competition watchdog to review Dangote’s pricing model and safeguard fair competition and consumer interests.