Some filling stations operated by MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in Kano State have continued to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at ₦850 per litre, despite the recent price reduction announced by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Dangote Refinery had earlier announced a reduction in its gantry price to ₦699 per litre, with a recommended pump price of ₦739 per litre at MRS outlets nationwide, a move aimed at easing fuel costs for consumers.
However, findings by Kano Times on Thursday showed that some MRS stations in Kano had yet to reflect the new price.
At the MRS filling stations at Danladi Nasidi Housing Estate and Dorawar Na’Abba along Maiduguri Road, petrol was sold to motorists at ₦850 per litre, contrary to the announced price. Meanwhile, the MRS station located at Tamburawa along Zaria Road was closed and not dispensing petrol as of the time of the visit.
Motorists expressed concern over the development, saying the delay in implementing the price reduction was worsening the hardship faced by residents.
A commercial driver, Malam Sadiq Abdullahi, said the announcement had raised expectations among transport operators, but the reality on the ground was different.
“We heard that Dangote Refinery reduced the price and that MRS stations are selling at ₦739. But here in Kano, some stations are still selling at ₦850. Transport costs are already high, and this is affecting our daily earnings,” he said.
Another motorist, Ibrahim Lawan, described the price cut as a welcome development but stressed the need for uniform compliance.
“If they sell at ₦739 as announced, it will really help people. Fuel affects transportation, food prices and other essential needs. We want all stations to comply,” he said.
A tricycle operator, Musa Bello, said lower fuel prices would ease daily operations and reduce pressure on commuters.
“With cheaper fuel, we can reduce fares and still survive. But when stations do not comply, the suffering continues,” he said.
Dangote Refinery had stated that more than 2,000 MRS filling stations across the country were expected to sell petrol at the new rate, extending the benefits beyond Lagos to other states.
The refinery also disclosed that it had increased distribution, with daily truck dispatches exceeding 2,000 following the price adjustment.
While long queues were reported at some MRS stations in Lagos and Ogun states as motorists sought to buy petrol at the reduced price, the refinery acknowledged reports of uneven compliance in some parts of the country.
Efforts by Kano Times to obtain comments from officials of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in Kano regarding the non-compliance were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The company has urged marketers to adhere strictly to the new pricing structure and called on consumers to report any stations selling above the approved pump price.
