Dangote Hiked Fuel Price Due To Iran War Yet Dangote Refinery Purchases Crude From Nigeria—Adeyanju

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has criticized the recent fuel price increases tied to the operations of the Dangote Refinery, saying the hike is worsening economic hardships for ordinary Nigerians. This was reported by Daily Post on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Adeyanju accused businessman Aliko Dangote of attempting to monopolize Nigeria’s petroleum market, suggesting that the refinery’s dominant position in the downstream sector gives it excessive control over pricing.

He noted that the refinery recently raised pump prices by over 100 percent, attributing the surge to international tensions, particularly conflicts in the Gulf region and the ongoing war in Iran.

The activist questioned the justification for the increase, pointing out that the refinery relies on locally produced crude oil. He also reminded that the government had previously allowed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company to sell crude in naira to the refinery, a policy aimed at easing the burden of foreign exchange on fuel costs.

Adeyanju emphasized that the fuel currently on sale was refined before the recent escalation of international conflicts, asking why Nigerians should bear higher costs for products already in storage prior to the crisis.

He expressed concern that limited competition in the petroleum industry could enable the refinery to set prices unchecked, leading to consumer hardship while allowing businesses to reap greater profits.

In his statement, Adeyanju said:

“Aliko Dangote has increased fuel pump prices by over 100% due to the war in Iran. Yet the Dangote Refinery sources crude domestically from Nigeria. This is an unprecedented exploitation, as the refinery appears to be profiting from the misfortune of war at the expense of already struggling Nigerian citizens.”