Amid ongoing debates over the pricing template for petrol, former senator Shehu Sani has drawn an intriguing comparison between Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Sani remarked that many Nigerians initially saw the relationship between the two as reminiscent of the biblical brothers Cain and Abel, where one would represent good and the other, evil.

However, he suggested that the reality has proven otherwise, with both entities resembling “Cain.”

Taking to social media platform X, Sani posted, “Most people thought that Dangote and NNPC are like Cain and Abel.

Now they found out that they are Cain Junior and Cain Senior,” implying that neither company is living up to the positive expectations of Nigerians.

This reaction comes in the wake of the NNPC’s recent release of estimated petrol prices for September 2024.

According to the state-run oil company, it is purchasing petrol from Dangote Refinery in U.S. dollars, which has significantly influenced the retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Nigeria.

The NNPC stated that the petrol purchased from the Dangote Refinery gantry was bought at N898.78 per litre.

With logistics costs factored in, the price of petrol in Lagos will reach an estimated N950.22 per litre.

In cities such as Abuja, Sokoto, and Kano, prices are expected to be around N999.22 per litre.

Other regions are also grappling with high pump prices. In states like Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Imo, fuel is estimated to be sold at N980 per litre.

The highest recorded price is in Borno State, where the cost of petrol is expected to soar to N1,019.22 per litre.

The rising cost of petrol has sparked widespread frustration among Nigerians, who had hoped that the opening of the Dangote Refinery would help stabilize prices.

Many had anticipated that Dangote and NNPCL would work together to alleviate the economic burden on citizens, but the continued rise in fuel prices has led to disillusionment.

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The Dangote Refinery has marked a significant milestone as the first batch of trucks has begun loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at the facility.

This development was highlighted in a video shared by the Dangote Group on its official X account, where the company confirmed the commencement of fuel loading.

In the video, the company announced that the trucks are ready to load PMS, signaling a major step toward locally produced petrol being distributed across Nigeria.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had previously confirmed the arrival of over 300 trucks at the Dangote Refinery, prepared to load petrol and begin distribution nationwide.

This marks a historic moment for Nigeria, as it is the first time in several years that the country will be loading and distributing locally refined petrol.

The significance of this achievement goes beyond mere fuel distribution.

It could have far-reaching effects on the nation’s economy, potentially reducing the cost of fuel and curbing long-standing issues of fuel scarcity that have plagued Nigerians.

Finance Minister Wale Edun, alongside Federal Inland Revenue Service Chairman Zacch Adedeji, had earlier confirmed that all necessary agreements were in place for NNPCL to begin lifting petrol from the Dangote Refinery.

Industry stakeholders and petroleum marketers are optimistic that the launch of fuel distribution from the refinery will not only address the recurring problem of fuel shortages but may also lead to a gradual reduction in petrol prices.

This development promises to be a significant leap toward achieving energy independence in Nigeria and fostering more stability in the nation’s fuel market.