Dangote Warns of Petrol Supply Risks in Nigeria Amid Middle East Crisis

President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has warned that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could pose risks to petrol availability in Nigeria.

Dangote gave the warning during an interview aired on Arise TV, where he said the potential impact of the geopolitical crisis could extend beyond rising fuel prices to the availability of petroleum products.

According to the businessman, disruptions to international energy networks could affect petroleum supply chains, making product availability an important concern for countries that depend on global energy markets.

Dangote also raised concerns over the continued smuggling of petrol from Nigeria into neighbouring countries, where the product reportedly sells at higher prices.

He explained that the price difference between Nigeria and some neighbouring West African countries creates an incentive for illegal cross-border fuel trade.

The Dangote Industries president cited Niger Republic as an example, noting that petrol prices across the border can be significantly higher than prices in Nigeria.

He argued that the price disparity could encourage some distributors to divert petrol intended for Nigerian consumers to border communities for resale.

Dangote said Nigeria therefore needs to pay attention not only to the price of petrol but also to ensuring that sufficient quantities remain available within the country.

Amid the concerns, he assured Nigerians that the Dangote Refinery would continue supplying the domestic market.

He said the refinery would maintain its commitment to meeting local demand and that Nigerians should not be concerned about shortages from its operations.

The warning comes as global energy markets face disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. The Dangote refinery has also increased its role in international fuel markets, with Reuters reporting that the facility has become a major supplier of refined products to Europe amid disruptions to Middle Eastern exports.

The development has placed renewed attention on Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply, the impact of cross-border smuggling and the country’s ability to maintain adequate petrol stocks amid changing global market conditions.