The managing director of the Dangote Refinery, David Bird, says the facility incurs charges from 47 government agencies, which contribute to the final pump price of petrol in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Monday, Bird said the refinery is often treated as a customer of last resort for Nigerian crude, as some of the best grades are first sold to international buyers.

He urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise domestic refineries by ensuring they have adequate access to the right grades of crude oil, especially amid global market volatility.
Bird noted that many countries are currently acting in their own interest by restricting exports or using strategic reserves to protect their domestic industries.

He also called on regulators and government agencies to review the multiple fees imposed across the refining value chain, saying these additional costs ultimately affect petrol prices.

According to him, the refinery submits a list of preferred crude grades monthly — including Bonny Light and Escravos — but often ends up purchasing the same Nigerian crude from international traders after it has already been exported.

This, he said, increases costs because traders add their own margins before selling the crude back to the refinery.
Meanwhile, the pump price of petrol has risen by more than ₦350 per litre following the Iran–United States conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.